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Hiotographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


33  WIST  MAIN  STtllT 

WeSSTH.N.Y.  14SM 

(716)  •73-4S03 


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CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microraproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  da  microraproductions  historiquas 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notes  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


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to 


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E 
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This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

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24X 


28X 


32X 


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whichever  applies. 


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dernidre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  symbols  —^  signifie  "A  SUIVRE ',  le 
symbols  V  signifie  "FIN  ". 


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different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
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beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  Atre 
fiimis  6  des  taux  de  reduction  diff6rents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  6tre 
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de  I'angle  supArieur  gauche,  de  gauche  6  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  n6cessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  mithode. 


1  2  3 


32X 


1 

1 

a 

4 

i 

6 

WACOUSTA: 


/Aft 


I 


OR 


THE     PROPHECY. 


A    TALE    OF   THE    OANADAS. 


"  M-Vr'^^.V?*' '''  ''^"'  ™"'"''  5  '''^'""  '"'••  ''«'>rk  covert, 
VV  nil  all  her  snakrs  ir«Tt  iipfui  her  rrcsf 

She  stalks  in  vitw,  ami  tires  me  with  Jier  charms  " 


The  licvcnsc- 


BY  THE  AUTHOR  OF  "  ECARTE." 

IN    TWO    V0LU3IES.       / 


VOL.   I. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

KEY    AND    BIODLE,    23    MINOR    STREET. 

1833. 


n\ 


i 


.«.    ^♦. 


♦  '  .0 


\ 


*    ?      •   •• 


\ 


TO 

HIS   MAJESTY'S  41st  REGIMENT, 

WHO    BKAR   ON   THEIR    COLOURS 

THE    "DETROIT," 

CONNECTED  WITH  WHICH  ARE 

THE    PRINCIPAL   INCIDENTS  OF  HIS  TALE, 

THESE  VOLUMES  ARE  INSCRIBED, 
BY   A   ONCE  SHARER    IN   THEIR   SERVICE, 

THE  AUTHOR. 


Londj,,,  Dtr.  1833 


WACOUSTA 


CHAPTER  I. 


INTRODUCTORY. 


A  few  cursory  remarks,  illustrative  of  the  general  fea- 
tures of  the  country  where  the  scene  of  the  following 
events  is  laid,  may  not  be  misplaced  at  the  opening  of 
this  volume. 

Without  entering  into  minute  geographical  detail,  it 
may  be  necessary  merely  to  state  that  tlie  most  distant 
of  the  northwestern  settlements  of  Americ  -  h  Michilli- 
mackinac,  a  name  given  by  the  Indians,  an''  preserved 
by  the  Americans,  who  possess  the  fort  even  to  tliis  hour. 
It  is  situated  at  the  head  of  the  Lakes  Michigan  and  Hu- 
ron, and  adjacent  to  the  Island  of  St.  Joseph's,  where, 
since  the  existence  of  the  United  States  as  an  independent 
republic,  an  English  garrison  has  been  maintained,  with 
a  view  of  keeping  the  original  fortress  in  check.  From 
the  lakes  we  descend  into  the  River  Sinclair,  whicli,  in 
turn,  disembogues  itself  into  the  lake  of  the  same  name. 
This  again  renders  tribute  to  the  Detroit,  a  broad  majes- 
tic river,  not  less  than  a  mile  in  breadth  at  its  source,  and 

1* 


11  , 


I 

I 

I-' ' 
» 


6 


WACOUSTA. 


progressively  widening  towards  its  mouth  until  it  is  finally 
lost  in  the  beautiful  Lake  Erie.  From  the  embouehure 
of  this  latter  lake  commcnecs  the  Chippawa,  better  known 
from  the  eelebrity  of  its  stupendous  falls  of  Niagara,  which 
form  an  impassable  barrier  to  the  seaman,  and,  for  a  short 
space,  sever  the  otherwise  uninterrupted  chain  connecting 
the  remote  fortresses  we  have  described  with  tlie  Atlantic. 
At  a  distance  of  a  few  miles  from  the  falls,  the  Chippawa 
finally  empties  itself  into  the  Ontario,  the  most  splendid 
of  the  gorgeous  American  lakes.  At  the  opposite  ex- 
tremity of  this  magnificent  and  sea- like  lake,  the  far- 
famed  St.  Lawrence  takes  its  source ;  and  after  passing 
through  a  vast  tract  of  country,  connects  itself  with  the 
Lake  Champlain,  celebrated,  as  well  as  Erie,  for  a  signal 
defeat  of  the  British  flotilla  during  the  late  contest  with 
the  Americans. 

The  several  forts  and  harbours  established  along  tlie 
left  bank  of  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  throughout  that  por- 
tion of  the  British  possessions  which  is  known  as  Lower 
Canada,  are  necessarily,  from  the  improved  condition  and 
more  numerous  population  of  that  province,  on  a  larger 
scale  and  of  better  appointment;  but  in  Upper  Canada, 
where  the  traces  of  civilisation  are  less  evident  through- 
out, and  become  gradually  more  faint  as  we  advance 
westward,  the  fortresses  and  harbours  bear  the  same  pro- 
portion in  strength  and  extent  to  the  scantiness  of  the 
population  they  are  erected  to  protect. 

At  the  epoch  of  our  story,  it  will  be  borne  in  mind,  the 
United  States  were  the  British  colonies  of  America  de- 
pendent on  the  mother  country ;  while  the  Canadas,  on 
the  contrary,  were,  or  had  very  recently  been,  under  the 
dominion  of  France,  from  whom  they  had  been  wrested 
after  a  long  struggle,  greatly  advanced  in  favour  of  Eng- 
land  by  the  glorious  battle  fought  on  the  plains  of  Abra- 


^til  it  is  finally 
5  embouchure 
better  known 
iag-ara,  which 
d.  for  a  short 
1  connecting- 
tlie  Atlantic, 
le  Chippawa 
ost  splendid 
opposite  ex- 
l«e,  the  far. 
^er  passing- 
If  witli  the 
w  a  signal 
'litest  with 

alongf  the 

that  por- 
I  as  Lower 
iition  and 

a  larger 

Canada, 
througfh- 

advance 
ime  pro- 
of the 


HA 
■<♦'■ 


WACOUSTA.  7 

ham,  near  Quebec,  and  celebrated  for  the  defeat  of  Mont- 
calm and  the  death  of  Wolfe.  . 

The  several  attempts  made  to  repossess  themselves  of 
the  strong  hold  of  Quebec  having,  in  every  instance,  been 
met  by  discomfiture  and  disappointment,  the  French,  in 
despair,  relinquished  the  contest,  and,  by  treaty,  ceded 
their  claims  to  the  Canadaa, — an  event  that  was  hastened 
by  the  capitulation  of  the  garrison  of  Montreal,  com- 
manded by  the  Marquis  de  Vaudreuil,  to  the  victorious 
arms  of  General  Amherst.  Still,  though  conquered  as  a 
people,  many  of  the  leading  men  in  the  country,  actuated 
by  that  jealousy  for  which  they  were  remarkable,  con- 
trived to  oppose  obstacles  to  the  quiet  possession  of  a 
conquest  by  those  whom  they  seemed  to  look  upon  as 
their  hereditary  enemies ;  and  in  furtherance  of  this  ob- 
ject, paid  agents,  men  of  artful  and  intriguing  character, 
were  dispersed  among  the  numerous  tribes  of  savages, 
with  a  view  of  exciting  them  to  acts  of  hostility  against 
their  conquerors.  The  long  and  uninterrupted  posses- 
sion, by  the  French,  of  those  countries  immediately  bor- 
dering on  the  hunting  grounds  and  haunts  of  the  natives, 
with  whom  they  carried  on  an  extensive  traffic  in  furs, 
had  established  a  communionship  of  interest  between 
themselves  and  those  savage  and  warlike  people,  which 
failed  not  to  turn  to  account  the  vindictive  views  of  the 
former.  The  whole  of  the  province  of  Upper  Canada  at 
that  time  possessed  but  a  scanty  popvdation,  protected  in 
its  most  flourishing  and  defensive  points  by  stockade 
forts ;  the  chief  object  of  which  was  to  secure  the  garri- 
sons, consisting  each  of  a  few  companies,  from  any  sud- 
den surprise  on  the  part  of  the  natives. 

These  stockade  forts  were  never,  at  any  one  period, 
nearer  to  each  other  than  from  one  hundred  and  fifly  to 
two  hundred  miles,  so  that,  in  the  event  of  surprise  or 


I 


lit 


8 


WACOUSTA. 


alarm,  there  wus  little  prospect  of  obtaining  assistance 
from  without.  Each  garrison,  therefore,  was  almost 
wholly  dependent  on  its  own  resources ;  and,  when  sur- 
rounded unexpectedly  by  numerous  bands  of  hostile  In- 
dians, had  no  other  alternative  than  to  hold  out  to  the 
death.  Capitulation  was  out  of  the  question ;  for,  although 
the  wile  and  artifice  of  the  natives  might  induce  them  to 
promise  mercy,  the  moment  their  enemies  were  in  their 
power  promises  and  treaties  were  alike  broken,  and  in- 
discriminate massacre  ensued.  Communication  by  water 
was,  except  during  a  period  of  profound  peace,  almost 
impracticable;  for,  although  of  late  years  the  lakes  of 
Canada  have  been  covered  with  vessels  of  war,  many  of 
them  of  vast  magnitude,  and  been  the  theatres  of  con- 
flicts that  would  not  have  disgraced  the  salt  waters  of 
ocean  itself,  at  the  period  to  which  our  story  refers  the 
flag  of  England  was  seen  to  wave  only  on  the  solitary 
mast  of  some  ill-armed  and  ill-manned  gun  boat,  employed 
rather  for  the  purpose  of  conveying  despatches  from  fort 
to  fort,  than  with  any  serious  view  to  acts  either  of  ag- 
gression or  defence. 

In  proportion  as  the  colonics  of  America,  now  the 
United  States,  pushed  their  course  of  civilisation  west- 
ward, in  the  same  degree  did  the  numerous  tribes  of  In- 
dians, who  had  hitherto  dwelt  more  seaward,  retire  upon 
those  of  their  own  countrymen,  who,  buried  in  vast  and 
impenetrable  forests,  had  seldom  yet  seen  the  face  of  the 
European  stranger;  so  that,  in  the  end,  all  the  more 
central  parts  of  those  stupendous  wilds  became  doubly 
peopled.  Hitherto,  however,  that  civilisation  had  not  been 
carried  beyond  the  state  of  New  York ;  and  all  those 
countries  which  have,  since  the  American  revolution, 
been  added  to  the  Union  under  the  names  of  Kentucky, 
Ohio,  Missouri,  Michigan,  &c.,  were,  at  the  period  em- 


:' 


n  f 


WACOUSTA. 


9 


issi  stance 
s  almost 
rhen  sur- 
Dstilc  In- 
ut  to  the 
although 
!  them  to 

in  their 
,  and  in- 
)y  water 
,  almost 
lakes  of 
many  of 
of  con- 
aters  of 
fers  the 
solitary 
iiploycd 
pm  fort 

of  ag. 

)w  the 
west- 

of  In. 

3  upon 

st  and 

of  the 
more 

oubly 

t  been 

those 

ution, 

icky, 

1  em- 


braced  by  our  story,  inhospitable  and  unproductive  woods, 
subject  only  to  the  dominion  of  the  native,  and  as  yet  un- 
shorn by  the  axe  of  the  cultivator.  A  few  portions  only 
of  the  opposite  shores  of  Michigan  were  occupied  by  emi- 
grants from  the  Canadas,  who,  finding  no  one  to  oppose 
or  molest  them,  selected  the  most  fertile  spots  along  the 
banks  of  the  river ;  and  of  the  existence  of  these  infant 
settlements,  the  English  colonists,  who  had  never  ventured 
so  far,  were  not  even  aware  until  after  the  conquest  of  Ca- 
nada by  the  mother  country.  This  particular  district 
was  the  centre  around  which  the  numerous  warriors, 
who  had  been  driven  westward  by  the  colonists,  had 
finally  assembled ;  and  rude  villages  and  encampments 
rose  far  and  near  for  a  circuit  of  many  miles  around  this 
infant  settlement  and  fort  of  the  Canadians,  to  both  of 
which  they  had  given  the  name  of  Detroit,  after  the  river 
on  whose  elevated  banks  they  stood.  Proceeding  west- 
ward from  this  point,  and  along  the  tract  of  country  that 
diverged  from  the  banks  of  the  Lakes  Huron,  Sinclair, 
and  Michigan,  all  traces  of  that  partial  civilisation  were 
again  lost  in  impervious  wilds,  tenanted  only  by  the 
fiercest  of  the  Indian  tribes,  whose  homes  were  princi- 
pally along  the  banks  of  Lake  Superior,  and  in  the  coun- 
try surrounding  the  isolated  fort  of  Michillimackinac,  the 
last  and  most  remote  of  the  European  fortresses  in  Ca- 
nada. 

When  at  a  later  period  the  Canadas  were  ceded  to 
Great  Britain  by  France,  those  parts  of  the  opposite 
frontier  which  we  have  just  described  became  also  tribu- 
tary to  the  English  crown,  and  were,  by  the  peculiar  dif- 
ficulties that  existed  to  communication  with  the  more 
central  and  populous  districts,  rendered  especially  fa- 
vourable to  the  exercise  of  hostile  intrigue  by  the  nume- 
rous active  French  emissaries  every  where  dispersed 


10 


WACOUSTA. 


among  the  Indian  tribes.  Fired  by  their  wily  sugges- 
tions,  the  high  and  jealous  spirit  of  the  Indian  chiefs 
took  the  alarm,  and  they  beheld  with  impatience  the 
"  Red  Coat,"  or  "  Saganaw,"*  usurping,  as  they  deemed 
it,  those  possessions  which  had  so  recently  acknowledged 
the  supremacy  of  the  pale  flag  of  their  ancient  ally.  Such 
was  the  state  of  things  in  1763,  the  period  at  which  our 
story  commences, — an  epoch  fruitful  in  designs  of  hosti- 
lity and  treachery  or  the  part  of  the  Indians.  Several 
inferior  forts  situated  on  the  Ohio  had  already  fallen  into 
their  hands,  when  they  summoned  all  their  address  and 
cunning  to  accomplish  the  fall  of  the  two  important 
though  remote  posts  of  Detroit  and  Michillimackinac. 
For  a  length  of  time  they  were  baffled  by  the  activity 
and  vigilance  of  the  respective  governors  of  these  forts, 
who  had  had  too  much  fatal  experience  in  the  fate  of 
their  companions  not  to  be  perpetually  on  the  alert  against 
their  guile ;  but  when  they  had  at  length,  in  some  degree, 
succeeded  in  lulling  the  suspicions  of  the  Engli&h,  they 
determined  on  a  scheme,  suggested  by  a  leading  chief,  a 
man  of  more  than  ordinary  character,  which  promised 
fair  to  rid  them  altogether  of  a  race  they  so  cordially  de- 
tested. We  will  not,  however,  mar  the  interest  of  our 
tale,  by  anticipating,  at  this  early  stage,  either  the  nature 
or  the  success  of  a  stratagem  which  forms  the  essential 
groundwork  of  our  story. 

And  now  we  have  partially  explained  a  course  of 
events  which  were  in  some  measure  necessary  to  the  full 
understanding  of  the  country  by  the  majority  of  our 


i 


i 

I! 


*  This  word  thus  pronounced  by  thems'^lvoo,  ii*  refer- 
ence to  the  English  soldiery,  is,  in  all  piobability,  derived 
from  the  original  English  settlers  in  Saganaw  Bay. 


WACOUSTA. 


11 


of 
full 
our 


readers,  we  shall,  in  furtlierance  of  the  same  object,  pro- 
ceed to  sketch  a  few  of  the  most  prominent  scenes  more 
immediately  before  us. 

The  fort  of  Detroit,  as  it  was  original -v  constructed 
by  the  French,  stands  in  the  middle  of  a  common,  or  de- 
scription of  small  prairie,  bounded  by  woods,  which  were 
at  that  time  untouched  by  tlie  hand  of  civilisation.  Erected 
at  a  distance  of  about  half  a  mile  from  the  banks  of  the 
river,  which  at  that  particular  point  are  high  and  preci- 
pitous, it  stood  then  just  far  enough  from  the  woods  that 
swept  round  it  in  a  semicircular  form  to  be  secure  from 
the  rifle  of  the  Indian;  while  from  its  batteries  it  com- 
manded a  range  of  country  on  every  hand,  which  no 
enemy  unsupported  by  cannon  could  traverse  with  im- 
punity. Immediately  in  the  rear,  and  on  the  jkirt  of  the 
wood,  the  French  had  constructed  a  sort  of  bomb-proof, 
possibly  intended  to  serve  as  a  cover  to  the  workmen 
originally  employed  in  clearing  the  woods,  but  long  since 
suffered  to  fall  into  decay.  Without  the  fortification  rose 
a  strong  and  triple  line  of  pickets,  each  of  about  two  feet 
and  a  half  in  circumference,  and  so  fitted  into  each  other 
as  to  leave  no  other  interstices  than  those  which  were 
i)erforatcd  for  the  discharge  of  musketry.  They  were 
formed  of  the  hardest  and  most  knotted  pines  that  could 
be  procured ;  the  sharp  points  of  which  were  reasoned  by 
fire  until  they  acquired  nearly  the  durability  and  con- 
sistency of  iron.  Beyond  these  firmly  imbedded  pickets 
was  a  ditch,  encircling  the  fort,  of  about  twenty  feet  in 
widtii,  and  of  proportionate  depth,  the  only  communica- 
tion over  which  to  and  from  the  garrison  was  by  means 
of  a  drawbridge,  protected  by  a  strong  chevaux-de-frise. 
The  only  gate  with  which  the  fortress  was  provided  faced 
the  river;  on  the  more  immediate  banks  of  which,  and  to 
the  left  of  the  fort,  rose  the  yet  infant  and  straggling  vil- 


12 


WACOUSTA. 


if;* 


I 


i 


M 


i|il 


lage  that  bore  the  name  of  both.  Numerous  farm-liouses, 
however,  almost  joining  each  other,  contributed  to  form 
a  continuity  of  many  miles  along  the  borders  of  the  river, 
both  on  the  right  and  on  the  left;  while  the  opposite  shores 
of  Canada,  distinctly  seen  in  the  distance,  presented,  as 
far  as  the  eye  could  reach,  the  same  enlivening  character 
of  fertility.  The  banks,  covered  with  verdure  on  either 
shore,  were  more  or  less  undulating  at  intervals ;  but  in 
general  they  were  high  without  being  abrupt,  and  pic- 
turesque without  being  bold,  presenting,  in  their  partial 
cultivation,  a  striking  contrast  to  the  dark,  tall,  and 
frowning  forests  bounding  every  point  of  the  perspective. 
At  a  distance  of  about  five  miles  on  the  left  of  the  town 
the  course  of  the  river  was  interrupted  by  a  small  and 
thickly  wooded  island,  along  whose  sandy  beach  occa- 
sionally rose  the  low  cabin  or  wigwam,  which  the  birch 
canoe,  carefully  upturned  and  left  to  dry  upon  the  sands, 
attested  to  be  the  temporary  habitation  of  the  wandering 
Indian.  That  branch  of  the  river  which  swept  by  the 
shores  of  Canada  was  (as  at  this  day)  the  only  navigable 
one  for  vessels  of  burden,  while  that  on  the  opposite  coast 
abounded  in  shallows  and  bars,  affording  passage  merely 
to  the  light  barks  of  the  natives,  which  seemed  literally 
to  skim  the  very  surface  of  its  waves.  Midway  be- 
tween that  point  of  the  continent  which  immediately 
faced  the  eastern  extremity  of  the  island  we  have  just- 
named  and  the  town  of  Detroit,  flowed  a  small  tributary 
river,  the  approaches  to  which,  on  either  hand,  were  over 
a  shghtly  sloping  ground,  the  view  of  which  could  be  en- 
tirely commanded  from  the  fort.  The  depth  of  tliis  river, 
now  nearly  dried  up,  at  that  period  varied  from  three  to 
ten  or  twelve  feet ;  and  over  this,  at  a  distance  of  about 
twenty  yards  from  the  Detroit,  into  which  it  emptied  it- 
self, rose,  communicating  with  the  high  road,  a  bridge, 


WACOUSTA. 


13 


m-houses, 

1  to  form 

the  river, 

ite  shores 

sented,  as 

character 

on  either 

9 ;  hut  in 

I  and  pic- 

ir  partial 

tall,  and 

rspective. 

the  town 

mall  and 

ich  occa- 

;he  birch 

he  sands, 

andering 

)t  by  the 

lavigable 

ite  coast 

merely 

literally 

vay  be- 

ediately 

ive  just 

ibutary 


which  will  more  than  once  be  noticed  in  the  course  of 
our  tale.  Even  to  the  present  hour  it  retains  the  name 
given  to  it  during  these  disastrous  times;  and  there  are 
few  modern  Canadians,  or  even  Americans,  who  traverse 
the  "  Bloody  Bridge,"  especially  at  the  still  hours  of  ad- 
vanced night,  without  recalling  to  memory  the  tragic 
events  of  those  days,  (handed  down  as  they  have  been  by 
their  fathers,  who  were  eye-witnesses  of  the  transaction,) 
and  peopling  the  surrounding  gloom  with  the  shades  of 
those  whose  life-blood  erst  crimsoned  the  once  pure  waters 
of  that  now  nearly  exhausted  stream ;  and  whose  mangled 
and  headless  corses  were  slowly  borne  by  its  tranquil  cur- 
rent into  the  bosom  of  the  parent  river,  where  all  traces 
of  them  finally  disappeared. 

What  Detroit  was  in  1763  it  nearly  is  at  the  present 
day,  with  this  difference,  however,  that  many  of  those 
points  which  were  then  in  a  great  degree  isolated  and 
rude  are  now  redolent  with  the  beneficent  effects  of  im- 
proved cultivation ;  and  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  tliat 
ineiuorablc  bridge,  where  formerly  stood  merely  the  oc- 
casional encampment  of  the  Indian  warrior,  are  now  to 
be  seen  flourishing  farms  and  crops,  and  other  marks  of 
agricultural  industry.  At  the  final  cession  of  the  Cana- 
das,  the  fort  was  delivered  over  to  England,  with  whom 
it  remained  until  the  acknowledgment  of  the  independ- 
ence of  the  colonies  by  tlic  mother  country,  when  it 
lioisted  the  colours  of  tlic  republic. 


VOL.  I.<^ 


i! 


f 


!>" 


14 


WACOUSTA. 


CHAPTER  II. 


It  was  during  the  midnight  watch,  late  in  September, 
1763,  that  the  English  garrison  of  Detroit,  was  thrown 
into  the  utmost  consternation  by  the  sudden  and  myste- 
rious introduction  of  a  stranger  within  its  walls.  The 
circumstance  at  this  moment  was  particularly  remarka- 
ble ;  for  the  period  was  so  fearful  and  pregnant  with 
events  of  danger,  the  fort  being  assailed  on  every  side 
by  a  powerful  and  vindictive  foe,  that  a  caution  and  vigi- 
lance of  no  common  kind  were  unceasingly  exercised 
by  the  prudent  governor  for  the  safety  of  those  commit- 
ted to  his  charge.  A  long  series  of  hostilities  had  been 
pursued  by  the  North  American  Indians  against  the 
subjects  of  England,  within  the  few  years  that  had  suc- 
ceeded to  the  final  subjection  of  the  Canadas  to  her  vic- 
torious arms ;  and  many  and  sanguinary  were  the  con- 
flicts in  which  the  devoted  soldiery  were  made  to  succumb 
to  tlie  cunning  and  numbers  of  their  savage  enemies.  In 
those  lone  regions,  both  officers  and  men,  in  their  re- 
spective ranks,  were,  by  a  communionship  of  suffering, 
isolation,  and  peculiarity  of  duty,  drawn  towards  each 
other  with  feelings  of  almost  fraternal  affection ;  and  the 
fates  of  those  who  fell  were  lamented  with  sincerity  of 
soul,  and  avenged,  when  opportunity  offered,  with  a  de- 
termination prompted  equally  by  indignation  and  des- 
pair. This  sentiment  of  union,  existing  even  l)etwecn 
men  and  officers  of  different  corps,  was,  with  occasional 
exceptions,  of  course  doubly  blrcngthcned  among  those 


m 


!■■ 


WACOUSTA. 


15 


I 


September, 
vas  thrown 
md  myste- 
ralls.     The 
j^  remarka- 
jnant  with 
every  side 
>n  and  vigi- 
Y  exercised 
se  commit- 
s  had  been 
gainst  the 
.t  had  suc- 
o  her  vic- 
|e  the  con- 
succumb 
lemies.  In 
their  re- 
suffering-, 
ds  each 
;  and  the 
cerity  of 
ith  a  de- 
and  des. 
iKJtwecn 
casional 
ig  tliose 


who  fought  under  the  same  colours,  and  acknowledged 
the  same  head ;  and,  as  it  often  happened  in  Canada, 
during  this  interesting  period,  that  a  single  regiment  was 
distributed  into  two  or  three  fortresses,  each  so  far  re- 
moved from  the  other  that  communication  could  with 
the  utmost  facility  be  cut  off,  tlie  anxiety  and  uncer- 
tainty of  these  detachments  became  proportioned  to  the 
danger  with  wliich  they  knew  themselves  to  be  more 
immediately  beset.    The  garrison  of  Detroit,  at  the  date 

above  named,  consisted  of  a  third  of  the regiment, 

the  remainder  of  which  occupied  the  forts  of  Michilli- 
mackinac  and  Niagara,  and  to  each  division  of  this  regi- 
ment was  attached  an  officer's  command  of  artillery.  It 
is  true  that  no  immediate  overt  act  of  hostility  had  for 
some  time  been  perpetrated  by  the  Indians,  who  were 
assembled  in  force  around  the  former  garrison ;  but  the 
experienced  officer  to  whom  the  command  had  been  in- 
trusted was  too  sensible  of  the  craftiness  of  the  surround- 
ing hordes  to  be  deceived,  by  any  outward  semblance  of 
amity,  into  neglect  of  those  measures  of  precaution 
which  were  so  indispensable  to  the  surety  of  his  trust. 

In  this  he  pursued  a  line  of  policy  happily  adapted  to 
the  delicate  nature  of  his  position.  Unwilling  to  excite 
the  anger  or  wound  the  pride  of  the  chiefs,  by  any  out- 
ward manifestation  of  distrust,  he  affected  to  confide  in 
the  sincerity  of  their  professions,  and,  by  inducing  his 
officers  to  mix  occasionally  in  their  councils,  and  his 
men  in  the  amusements  of  the  inferior  warriors,  con- 
trived to  impress  the  conviction  that  he  reposed  alto- 
gether on  their  faith.  But,  although  these  acts  were  in 
some  degree  coerced  by  the  necessity  of  the  times,  and 
a  perfect  knowledge  of  all  the  misery  that  must  accrue 
to  them  in  the  event  of  their  provoking  the  Indians  into 
acts  of  open  hostility,  the  prudent  governor  took  such 


it: 


16 


WACOUSTA. 


precautions  as  were  deemed  effieient  to  defeat  any 
treacherous  attempt  at  violation  of  the  tacit  treaty  on  the 
part  of  the  natives.  The  officers  never  ventured  out, 
unless  escorted  by  a  portion  of  their  men,  who,  although 
appearing  to  be  dispersed  among  the  warriors,  still  kept 
sufficiently  together  to  be  enabled,  in  a  moment  of  emer- 
gency, to  afford  succour  not  only  to  each  other,  but  to 
their  superiors.  On  these  occasions,  as  a  further  secu- 
rity against  surprise,  the  troops  left  within  were  instruct- 
ed to  be  in  readiness,  at  a  moment's  warning,  to  render 
assistance,  if  necessary,  to  their  companions,  who  sel- 
dom, on  any  occasion,  ventured  out  of  reach  of  the  can- 
non of  the  fort,  the  gate  of  which  was  hermetically 
closed,  while  numerous  supernumerary  sentinels  were 
posted  along  the  ramparts,  with  a  view  to  give  the  alarm  if 
any  thing  extraordinary  was  observed  to  occur  without. 

Painful  and  harassing  as  were  the  precautions  it  was 
found  necessary  to  adopt  on  these  occasions,  and  little 
desirous  as  were  the  garrison  to  mingle  with  the  natives 
on  such  terms,  still  the  plan  was  pursued  by  the  gover- 
nor from  the  policy  already  named :  nay,  it  was  abso- 
lutely essential  to  the  future  interests  of  England  that 
the  Indians  should  be  won  over  by  acts  of  confidence 
and  kindness ;  and  so  little  disposition  had  hitherto  been 
manifested  by  the  English  to  conciliate,  that  every  thing 
was  to  be  apprehended  from  the  untameable  rancour 
with  which  these  people  were  but  too  well  disposed  to 
repay  a  neglect  at  once  galling  to  their  pride  and  inju- 
rious to  their  interests. 

Such,  for  a  term  of  many  months,  had  been  the  trying 
and  painful  duty  that  had  devolved  on  the  governor  of 
Detroit;  when,  in  the  summer  of  1763,  the  whole  of  the 
western  tribes  of  Indians,  as  if  actuated  by  one  common 
impulse,  suddenly  threw  off  tlie  mask,  and  commenced 


WACOUSTA. 


17 


defeat  any 
eaty  on  the 
itured  out, 
a,  although 
3,  still  kept 
it  of  emer- 
ler,  but  to 
rther  secu- 
e  instruct- 
to  render 
,  who  sel- 
f  the  can- 
rmetically 
lels  were 
le  alarm  if 
without. 
IS  it  was 
and  little 
natives 
gover- 
'as  abso- 
and  that 
nfidence 
rto  been 
y  thing 
rancour 
osed  to 
inju. 

trying 
nor  of 
of  the 
mmon 
lenced 


a  series  of  the  most  savage  trespasses  upon  the  English 
settlers  in  the  vicinity  of  the  several  garrisons,  who  were 
cut  off  in  detail,  without  mercy,  and  without  reference 
to  either  age  or  sex.  On  the  first  alarm  the  weak  bodies 
of  troops,  as  a  last  measure  of  security,  shut  themselves 
up  in  their  respective  forts,  where  they  were  as  incapa- 
ble of  rendering  assistance  to  others  as  of  receiving  it 
themselves.  In  this  emergency  the  prudence  and  fore- 
thought of  the  governor  of  Detroit  were  eminently  con- 
spicuous; for,  having  long  foreseen  the  possibility  of 
such  a  crisis,  he  had  caused  a  plentiful  supply  of  all  that 
was  necessary  to  the  subsistence  and  defence  of  the  gar- 
rison to  be  provided  at  an  earlier  period,  so  that,  if  foiled 
in  their  attempts  at  stratagem,  there  was  little  chance 
that  the  Indians  would  speedily  reduce  them  by  famine. 
To  guard  against  the  former,  a  vigilant  watch  was  con- 
stantly kept  by  the  garrison  both  day  and  night,  while 
the  sentinels,  doubled  in  number,  were  constantly  on  the 
alert.  Strict  attention,  moreover,  was  paid  to  such  parts 
of  the  ramparts  as  were  considered  most  assailable  by 
a  cunning  and  midnight  enemy ;  and,  in  order  to  pre- 
vent any  imprudence  on  the  part  of  the  garrison,  all 
egress  or  ingress  was  prohibited  that  had  not  the  imme- 
diate sanction  of  the  chief.  With  this  view  the  keys  ot 
the  gate  were  given  in  trust  to  the  officer  of  the  guard  ; 
to  whom,  however,  it  was  interdicted  to  use  them  unless 
by  direct  and  positive  order  of  the  governor.  In  addi- 
tion to  this  precaution,  the  sentinels  on  duty  at  the  gate 
had  strict  private  instructions  not  to  suffer  any  one  to 
pass  either  in  or  out  unless  conducted  by  the  governor 
in  person  :  and  this  restriction  extended  even  to  the  offi- 
cer of  the  guard. 

Such  being  the  cautious  discipline  established  in  the 

fort,  the  appearance  of  a  stranger  within  its  walls  at  the 

2* 


18 


WACOUSTA. 


t.M 


n 


still  hour  of  midnight  could  not  fail  to  be  regarded  as  an 
extraordinary  event,  and  to  excite  an  apprehension 
which  could  scarcely  have  been  surpassed  had  a  numer- 
ous and  armed  band  of  savages  suddenly  appeared 
among  them.  The  first  intimation  of  this  fact  was 
given  by  the  violent  ringing  of  an  alarm  bell ;  a  rope 
communicating  with  which  was  suspended  in  the  gover- 
nor's apartments,  for  the  purpose  of  arousing  the  slum- 
bering soldiers  in  any  case  of  pressing  emergency. 
Soon  afterwards  the  governor  himself  was  seen  to  issue 
from  his  rooms  into  the  open  area  of  the  parade,  clad  in 
his  dressing-gown,  and  bearing  a  lamp  in  one  hand  and 
a  naked  sword  in  the  other.  His  countenance  was  pale ; 
and  his  features,  violently  agitated,  betrayed  a  source  of 
alarm  which  those  who  were  familiar  with  his  usual 
haughtiness  of  manner  were  ill  able  to  comprehend. 

"  Which  way  did  he  go  ? — why  stand  ye  here  ? — fol- 
low— pursue  him  quickly — let  him  not  escape,  on  your 
lives  !"  These  sentences,  hurriedly  and  impatiently  ut- 
tered, were  addressed  to  the  two  sentinels  who,  stationed 
in  front  of  his  apartments,  had,  on  the  first  sound  of 
alarm  from  the  portentous  bell,  lowered  their  muskets  to 
tlie  charge,  and  now  stood  immovable  in  that  position. 

"  Who  does  your  honour  mane  ?"  replied  one  of  the 
men,  startled,  yet  bringing  his  arms  to  recover,  in  saluta- 
tion of  his  chief. 

"  Why,  the  man — the  stranger — the  fellow  who  has 
just  passed  you."  "  Not  a  living  soul  has  passed  us 
since  our  watch  commenced,  your  honour,"  observed  the 
second  sentinel ;  "  and  we  have  now  been  here  upwards 
of  an  hour." 

"  Impossible,  sirs  :  ye  have  been  asleep  on  your  posts, 
or  ye  must  have  seen  him.    He  passed  this  way,  and 


iti. 


WACOUSTA. 


19 


rded  as  an 
)rehension 
a  numer- 
appeared 
fact  was 
II ;  a  rope 
the  gover- 
the  slum- 
nergency. 
n  to  issue 
le,  clad  in 
hand  and 
was  pale ; 
source  of 
his  usual 
'lend, 
re  ?— fol. 
.  on  your 
ently  ut- 
stationed 
lound  of 
iskets  to 
)sition. 
5  of  the 
saluta- 

'ho  has 
[sed  us 
|ved  the 
>wards 

posts, 
and 


■m' 


could  not  have  escaped  your  observation  had  ye  been  at- 
tentive to  your  duty." 

•*  Well,  sure,  and  your  honour  knows  bist,"  rejoined 
the  first  sentinel ;  "  but  so  hilp  me  St.  Patrick,  as  I  have 
sirved  man  and  boy  in  your  honour's  rigiment  this 
twilve  years,  not  even  the  fitch  of  a  man  has  passed  me 
this  blissed  night.  And  here's  my  comrade.  Jack  Hal- 
ford,  who  will  take  his  Bible  oath  to  the  same,  with  all 
due  difirince  to  your  honour."  The  pithy  reply  to  this 
eloquent  attempt  at  exculpation  was  a  brief  "  Silence, 
sirrah,  walk  about !" 

The  men  brought  their  muskets  once  more,  and  in 
silence,  to  the  shoulder,  and,  in  obedience  to  the  com- 
mand of  their  chief,  resumed  their  limited  walk  ;  cross- 
ing each  other  at  regular  intervals  in  the  course  that 
enfiladed,  as  it  were,  the  only  entrance  to  the  governor's 
apartments. 

Meanwhile  every  thing  was  bustle  and  commotion 
among  the  garrison,  who,  roused  from  sleep  by  the  ap- 
palling sound  of  the  alarm  bell  at  that  late  hour,  were 
hastily  arming.  Throughout  the  obscurity  might  be 
seen  the  flitting  forms  of  men,  whose  already  fully  ac- 
coutred persons  proclaimed  them  to  be  of  the  guard ; 
while  in  the  lofty  barracks,  numerous  lights  flashing  to 
and  fro,  and  moving  with  rapidity,  attested  the  alacWty 
with  which  the  troops  off  duty  were  equipping  for  some 
service  of  more  than  ordinary  interest.  So  noiseless,  too, 
was  this  preparation,  as  far  as  speech  was  concerned, 
that  the  occasional  opening  and  shutting  of  pans,  and 
ringing  of  ramrods  to  ascertain  the  efficiency  of  the 
muskets,  might  be  heard  distinctly  in  the  stillness  of  the 
night  at  a  distance  of  many  furlongs. 

f/c,  however,  who  had  touched  the  secret  spring  of  all 
this  picturesque  movement,  whatever  might  be  his  grati- 


20 


WACOUSTA. 


f ;  ^ 


j[ 


fl  ! 


fication  and  approval  of  the  promptitude  with  which  the 
summons  to  arms  had  been  answered  by  his  brave 
troops,  was  far  from  being  wholly  satisfied  with  the 
scene  he  had  conjured  up.  Recovered  from  the  first  and 
irrepressible  agitation  which  had  driven  him  to  sound 
the  tocsin  of  alarm,  he  felt  how  derogatory  to  his  mili- 
tary dignity  and  proverbial  coolness  of  character  it  might 
be  considered,  to  have  awakened  a  whole  garrison  from 
their  slumbers,  when  a  few  files  of  the  guard  would 
have  answered  his  purpose  equally  well.  Besides,  so 
much  time  had  been  suffered  to  elapse,  that  the  stranger 
might  have  escaped ;  and  if  so,  how  many  might  be  dis- 
posed to  ridicule  his  alarm,  and  consider  it  as  emanating 
from  an  imagination  disturbed  by  sleep,  rather  than 
caused  by  the  actual  presence  of  one  endowed  like  them- 
selves with  the  faculties  of  speech  and  motion.  For  a 
moment  he  hesitated  whether  he  should  not  countermand 
the  summons  to  arms  which  had  been  so  precipitately 
given;  but  when  he  recollected  the  harrowing  threat 
that  had  been  breathed  in  his  ear  by  his  midnight  visit- 
er,— when  he  reflected,  moreover,  that  even  now  it  was 
probable  he  was  lurking  within  the  precincts  of  the  fort 
with  a  view  to  the  destruction  of  all  that  it  contained, — 
when,  in  short,  he  thought  of  the  imminent  danger  that 
must  attend  them  should  he  be  suffered  to  escape, — he 
felt  the  necessity  of  precaution,  and  determined  on  his 
measures,  even  at  the  risk  of  manifesting  a  prudence 
which  might  be  construed  unfavourably.  On  re-entering 
his  apartments,  he  found  his  orderly,  who,  roused  by  the 
midnight  tumult,  stood  waiting  to  receive  the  commands 
of  his  chief. 

"  Desire  Major  Blackwater  to  come  to  me  immediate- 
ly."    The  mandate  was  quickly  obeyed.    In  a  few  se- 


I 


1 


d 

a| 

er 
pti 


:i 


WACOUSTA. 


21 


which  the 
liis   brave 
with  the 
i  first  and 
to  sound 
his  mili- 
r  it  might 
ison  from 
rd  would 
3sides,  so 
stranger 
^t  be  dis- 
nanating 
ier   than 
ke  them- 
For  a 
itermand 
jipitately 
g  threat 
rht  visit- 
it  was 
the  fort 
ined, — 
or  that 
e, — he 
on  his 
udence 
tering 
by  the 
.mands 

Jdiate- 
lew  se- 


conds  a  short,  thick  set,  and  elderly  officer  made  his  ap- 
pearance in  a  grey  military  undress  frock. 

"  Blackwater,  we  have  traitors  within  the  fort.  Let 
diligent  search  be  made  in  every  part  of  the  barracks  for 
a  stranger,  an  enemy,  who  has  managed  to  procure  ad- 
mittance among  us :  let  every  nook  and  cranny,  every 
empty  cask,  be  examined  forthwith  ;  and  cause  a  num- 
ber of  additional  sentinels  to  be  stationed  along  the  ram- 
parts, in  order  to  intercept  his  escape." 

"  Good  heaven,  is  it  possible  ?"  said  the  major,  wiping 
the  perspiration  from  his  brows,  though  the  night  was 
unusually  chilly  for  the  season  of  the  year : — "  how 
could  he  contrive  to  enter  a  place  so  vigilantly  guarded?" 

"  Ask  me  not  how,  Blackwater,"  returned  the  gover- 
nor, seriously  ;  "  let  it  suffice  that  he  has  been  in  this 
very  room,  and  that  ten  minutes  since  he  stood  where 
you  now  stand." 

The  major  looked  aghast. — ^"  God  bless  me,  how  sin- 
gular !  How  could  the  savage  contrive  to  obtain  ad- 
mission ?  or  was  he  in  reality  an  Indian  ?"  "  No  more 
questions.  Major  Blackwater.  Hasten  to  distribute  the 
men,  and  let  diligent  search  be  made  every  where ;  and 
recollect,  neither  officer  nor  man  courts  his  pillow  until 
dawn." 

The  "  major"  emphatically  prefixed  to  his  name  was 
a  sufficient  hint  to  the  stout  officer  that  the  doubts  thus 
familiarly  expressed  were  here  to  cease,  and  that  he  was 
now  addressed  in  the  language  of  authority  by  his  su- 
perior, who  expected  a  direct  and  prompt  compliance 
with  his  orders.  He  therefore  slightly  touched  his  hat 
in  salutation,  and  withdrew  to  make  the  dispositions  that 
had  been  enjoined  by  his  colonel. 

On  regaining  the  parade,  he  caused  the  men,  already 
forming  into  companies  and  answering  to  the  roll  call  of 


22 


WACOUSTA. 


i 
i 


i.-  -Ml' 


i';^ 


f'   '^ 


their  respective  non-commissioned  officers,  to  be  wlieel- 
ed  into  square,  and  then  in  a  low  but  distinct  voice 
stated  the  cause  of  alarm ;  and,  having  communicated 
the  orders  of  the  governor,  finished  by  recommending  to 
each  the  exercise  of  the  most  scrutinising  vigilance  ;  as 
on  the  discovery  of  the  individual  in  question,  and  the 
means  by  which  he  had  contrived  to  procure  admission, 
the  safety  of  the  whole  garrison,  it  was  evident,  must 
depend. 

The  soldiers  now  dispersed  in  small  parties  through- 
out the  interior  of  the  fort,  while  a  select  body  were 
conducted  to  the  ramparts  by  the  officers  themselves,  and 
distributed  between  the  sentinels  already  posted  there,  in 
such  numbers,  and  at  such  distances,  that  it  appeared 
impossible  any  thing  wearing  the  human  form  could  pass 
them  unperceived,  even  in  the  obscurity  that  reigned 
around. 

When  this  duty  was  accomplished,  the  officers  pro- 
ceeded to  the  posts  of  the  several  sentinels  who  had  been 
planted  since  the  last  relief,  to  ascertain  if  any  or  either 
of  them  had  observed  aught  to  justify  the  belief  that  an 
enemy  had  succeeded  in  scaling  the  works.  To  all  their 
enquiries,  however,  they  received  a  negative  reply,  ac- 
companied by  a  declaration,  more  or  less  positive  with 
each,  that  such  had  been  their  vigilance  during  the 
watch,  had  any  person  come  within  their  beat,  detection 
must  have  been  inevitable.  The  first  question  was  put 
to  the  sentinel  stationed  at  the  gate  of  the  fort,  at  which 
point  the  whole  of  the  officers  of  the  garrison  were,  with 
one  or  two  exceptions,  now  assembled.  The  man  at  first 
evinced  a  good  deal  of  confusion ;  but  this  might  arise 
from  the  singular  fact  of  the  alarm  that  had  been  given, 
and  the  equally  singular  circumstance  of  his  being  thus 
closely  interrogated  by  the  collective  body  of  his  officers : 


WAC'OUSTA. 


23 


to  be  wheel- 
istinct  voice 
mmunicated 
timending  to 
g-ilance  ;  as 
3n,  and  the 
3  admission, 
ident,  must 

es  through- 
body  were 
iselves,  and 
3d  there,  in 
it  appeared 
I  could  pass 
at  reigned 

Beers  pro- 

)  had  been 

or  either 

f  that  an 

0  all  their 
reply,  ac- 
tive with 
ring  the 
detection 
was  put 
at  which 

re,  with 
n  at  first 

ht  arise 

1  given, 
ng  thus 
ifficers : 


he,  however,  persisted  in  dechring  that  he  had  been  in 
no  wise  inattentive  to  his  duty,  and  that  no  cause  for 
alarm  or  suspicion  had  occurred  near  his  post.  The 
officers  then,  in  order  to  save  time,  separated  into  two 
parties,  pursuing  opposite  circuits,  and  arranging  to  meet 
at  that  point  of  the  ramparts  which  was  immediately  in 
the  rear,  and  overlooking  the  centre  of  the  semicircular 
sweep  of  wild  forest  we  have  described  as  circumventing 
the  fort. 

"  Well,  Blessington,  I  know  not  what  you  think  of 
this  sort  of  work,"  observed  Sir  Everard  Valletort,  a 
young  lieutenant  of  the regiment,  recently  ar- 
rived from  England,  and  one  of  the  party  who  now  tra- 
versed the  rampart  to  the  right ;  "  but  confound  me  if  I 
would  not  rather  be  a  barber's  apprentice  in  London, 
upon  nothing,  and  find  myself,  than  continue  a  life  of 
this  kind  much  longer.  It  positively  quite  knocks  me 
up ;  for  what  with  early  risings,  and  watchings,  (I  had 
almost  added  prayings,)  I  am  but  the  shadow  of  my  for- 
mer self." 

"  Hist,  Valletort,  hist !  speak  lower,"  said  Captain 
Blessington,  the  senior  officer  present,  "  or  our  search 
must  be  in  vain.  Poor  fellow !"  he  pursued,  laughing 
low  and  good  humouredly  at  the  picture  of  miseries 
thus  solemnly  enumerated  by  his  subaltern ; — "  how 
much,  in  truth,  are  you  to  be  pitied,  who  have  so  recent- 
ly basked  in  all  the  sunshine  of  enjoyment  at  home.  For 
our  parts,  we  have  lived  so  long  amid  these  savage 
scenes,  that  we  have  almost  forgotten  what  luxury,  or 
even  comfort,  means.  Doubt  not,  my  friend,  that  in 
time  you  will,  like  us,  be  reconciled  to  the  change." 

"  Confound  me  for  an  idiot,  then,  if  I  give  myself 
time,"  replied  Sir  Everard,  affectedly.  "  It  was  only 
five  minutes  before  that  cursed  alarm  bell  was  sounded 


'H 

w 

!« 

}  '} 

:h 

? ' '  ■ 

B 

i- 

i 

fS'^^ 


.'I 


24 


WACOUSTA. 


i  '4  '  * 


in  my  ears,  that  I  had  made  up  my  mind  fully  to  resign 
or  exchange  the  instant  I  could  do  so  with  credit  to  my- 
self;  and,  I  am  sure,  to  be  called  out  of  a  warm  bed  at 
tliis  unseasonable  hour  offers  little  inducement  for  me  to 
change  my  opinion." 

"  Resign  or  exchange  with  credit  to  yourself!"  sullen- 
ly observed  a  stout  tall  officer  of  about  fifty,  whose 
spleen  might  well  be  accounted  for  in  his  rank  of  "  En- 
sign" Delme.  "  Methinks  there  can  be  little  credit  in 
exchanging  or  resigning,  when  one's  companions  arc 
left  behind,  and  in  a  post  of  danger." 

"  By  Jasus,  and  ye  may  say  that  with  your  own 
pritty  mouth,"  remarked  another  veteran,  who  answered 
to  the  name  of  Lieutenant  Murphy ;  "  for  it  isn't  now, 
while  we  are  surrounded  and  bediviled  by  the  savages, 

that  any  man  of  the rigiment  should  be  after 

talking  of  bating  a  retrate." 

"  I  scarcely  understand  you,  gentlemen,"  warmly  and 
quickly  retorted  Sir  Everard,  who,  with  all  his  dandyism 
and  effeminacy  of  manner,  was  of  a  high  and  resolute 
spirit.  "  Do  cither  of  you  fancy  that  I  want  courage  to 
face  a  positive  danger,  because  I  may  not  happen  to 
have  any  particular  vulgar  predilection  for  early  rising  ?'* 

"  Nonsense,  Vallctort,  nonsense,"  interrupted,  in  ac- 
cents of  almost  feminine  sweetness,  his  friend  Lieutenant 
Charles  de  Haldimar,  the  youngest  son  of  the  governor  : 
"  Murphy  is  an  eternal  echo  of  the  opinions  of  those 
who  look  forward  to  promotion  ;  and  as  for  Delme — do 
you  not  see  tlie  drift  of  his  observation  ?  Siiould  you 
retire,  as  you  have  threatened,  of  course  another  lieu- 
tenant  will  bo  appointed  in  your  stead  ;  but,  should  you 
chance  to  lose  your  scalp  during  the  struggle  with  the 
savages,  the  step  goes  in  the  regiment,  and  lie,  being 
tlic  senior  ensign,  obtains  promotion  in  consequence." 


.« 


'     ! 


WACOUSTA. 


25 


ly  to  resign 
•edit  to  my. 
arm  bed  at 
it  for  me  to 

5lf !"  sullen, 
fifty,  whose 
k  of  "  En- 
le  credit  in 
>anions  arc 

your  own 
o  answered 

isn't  now, 
he  savages, 
Id  be  after 

armly  and 

dandyism 

id  resolute 

[courage  to 

happen  to 

rising  ?" 
d,  in  ac- 
lieutenant 
:overnor : 

of  those 

Iclme — do 

ould  you 

Ihcr  lieu. 

ould  you 
Iwith  the 

ic,  being 


tncc. 


n 


"  Ah  !"  observed  Captain  Blessington,  "  this  is  indeed 
the  greatest  curse  attached  to  the  profession  of  a  soldier. 
Even  among  those  who  most  esteem,  and  are  drawn  to- 
wards each  other  as  well  by  fellowship  in  pleasure  as 
companionship  in  danger,  this  vile  and  debasing  princi. 
pie — this  insatiable  desire  for  personal  advancement — is 
certain  to  intrude  itself;  since  we  feel  that  over  the 
mangled  bodies  of  our  dearest  friends  and  companions, 
we  can  alone  hope  to  attain  preferment  and  distinction." 

This  conversation,  interrupted  only  by  occasional 
questioning  of  the  sentinels  whom  they  passed  in  their 
circuit,  was  carried  on  in  an  audible  whisper,  which  the 
close  approximation  of  the  parties  to  each  other,  and  the 
profound  stillness  of  the  night,  enabled  them  to  hear 
with  distinctness. 

When  the  conversation  dropped,  the  party  pursued 
their  course  in  silence.  They  had  just  passed  the  last 
sentinel  posted  in  their  line  of  circuit,  and  were  within  a 
few  yards  of  the  immediate  rear  of  the  fortress,  when  a 
sharp  "  Hist !"  and  sudden  halt  of  their  leader.  Captain 
Blessington,  threw  them  all  into  an  attitude  of  the  most 
profound  attention. 

"  Did  you  hear  ?"  he  asked  in  a  subdued  whisper,  after 
a  few  seconds  of  silence,  in  which  he  had  vainly  sought 
^  to  catch  a  repetition  of  the  sound. 
^      "  Assuredly,"  he  pursued,  finding  that  no  one  answer- 
ed, "  I  distinctly  heard  a  human  groan."     "  Where  ? — 
in  what  direction  ?"  asked  Sir  Everard  and  De  Haldimar 
in  the  same  breath. 

"  Immediately  opposite  to  us  on  the  common.  But 
see,  here  are  the  remainder  of  the  party  stationary,  and 
listening  also." 

They  now  stole  gently  forward  a  few  paces,  and  were 
soon  at  the  side  of  llicir  companions,  all  of  whom  were 

VOL.  I. — 3 


iih; 


26 


WACOUSTA. 


I    "I 

1:  'r| 


I  ^ 


in 


straining  their  necks  and  bending  their  heads  in  the  atti- 
tude of  men  listening  attentively. 

"  Have  you  heard  any  thing,  Erskine  ?"  asked  Cap- 
tain Blessington  in  the  same  low  whisper,  and  address- 
ing the  officer  who  led  the  opposite  part3^ 

"  Not  a  sound  ourselves,  but  here  is  Sir  Everard's 
black  servant,  Sambo,  who  has  just  riveted  our  attention, 
by  declaring  that  he  distinctly  heard  a  groan  towards 
the  skirt  of  the  common."  "  He  is  right,"  hastily  rejoin- 
ed Blessington  ;  "  I  heard  it  also." 

Again  a  death-like  silence  ensued,  during  which  the 
eyes  of  the  party  were  strained  eagerly  in  the  direction 
of  the  common.  The  night  was  clear  and  starry,  yet  the 
dark  shadow  of  the  broad  belt  of  forest  threw  all  that 
part  of  the  waste  which  came  witliin  its  immediate 
range  into  impenetrable  obscurity. 

"  Do  you  see  any  thing  ?"  whispered  Valletort  to  his 
friend,  who  stood  next  him  :  "  look — look !"  and  he 
pointed  with  his  finger.  "  Nothing,"  returned  De  Hal- 
dimar,  after  an  anxious  gaze  of  a  minute,  "  but  that 
dilapidated  old  bomb-proof." 

"  See  you  not  something  dark,  and  slightly  moving, 
immediately  in  a  line  with  the  left  angle  of  the  bomb- 
proof?" De  Haldimar  looked  again.  "  I  do  begin  to 
fancy  I  see  something,"  he  replied ;  "  but  so  confusedly 
and  indistinctly,  that  I  know  not  whether  it  be  not  merely 
an  illusion  of  my  imagination.  Perhaps  it  is  a  stray 
Indian  dog  devouring  the  carcass  of  the  wolf  you  shot 
yesterday." 

"  Be  it  dog  or  devil,  liere  is  for  a  trial  of  his  vulnera- 
bility.    Sambo,  quick,  my  rifle." 

The  young  negro  handed  to  his  master  one  of  those 
long  heavy  rifles,  which  the  Indians  usually  make  choice 
of  for  killing  tlie  buffalo,  elk,  and  otlier  animals  whose 


4 


WACOTJSTA. 


27 


ds  in  the  atti- 

"  asked  Cap- 
and  address- 
Sir  Everard's 
our  attention, 
roan  towards 
lastily  rejoin. 

tig  which  the 
the  direction 
tarry,  yet  the 
irew  all  that 
;s  immediate 

illetort  to  his 

k!"  and  he 

cd  De  Hal- 

,  "but  that 

itly  moving, 
|f  the  bomb- 
10  begin  to 
confusedly 
not  merely 
is  a  stray 
|lf  you  shot 

lis  vulncra- 

ic  of  those 
iokc  choice 
nals  whose 


wildnesa  renders  them  difficult  of  approach.  He  then, 
unbidden,  and  as  if  tutored  to  the  task,  placed  himself  in 
a  stiff  upright  position  in  front  of  his  master,  with  every 
nerve  and  muscle  braced  to  the  most  inflexible  steadiness. 
The  young  officer  next  threw  the  rifle  on  the  right 
shoulder  of  the  boy  for  a  rest,  and  prepared  to  take  his 
aim  on  the  object  that  had  first  attracted  his  attention. 

"  Make  haste,  massa, — him  go  directly, — Sambo  see 
him  get  up." 

All  was  breathless  attention  among  the  group  of  offi- 
cers; and  when  the  sharp  ticking  sound  produced  by 
the  cocking  of  the  rifle  of  their  companion  foil  on  their 
ears,  they  bent  their  gaze  upon  the  point  towards  which 
the  murderous  weapon  was  levelled  with  the  most  aching 
and  intense  interest. 

"Quick,  quick,  massa, — him  quite  up,"  again  whis- 
pered the  boy. 

The  words  had  scarcely  passed  his  lips,  when  the 
crack  of  the  rifle,  followed  by  a  bright  blaze  of  light, 
sounded  throughout  the  stillness  of  the  night  with  ex- 
citing sharpness.  For  an  instant  all  was  hushed ;  but 
scarcely  had  the  distant  woods  ceased  to  reverberate  the 
spirit-stirring  echoes,  when  the  anxious  group  of  officers 
were  surprised  and  startled  by  a  sudden  flash,  the  report 
of  a  second  rifle  from  the  common,  and  the  whizzing  of 
a  bullet  past  their  ears.  This  was  instantly  succeeded 
by  a  fierce,  wild,  and  prolonged  cry,  expressive  at  once 
of  triumph  and  revenge.  It  was  that  peculiar  cry  which 
an  Indian  utters  when  the  reeking  scalp  has  been 
wrested  from  his  murdered  victim. 

"  Missed  Jiiin,  as  I  am  a  sinner,"  exclaimed  Sir  Eve- 
rard,  springing  to  his  feet,  and  knocking  the  butt  of  his 
rifle  on  the  ground  with  a  movement  of  impatience. 
"  Sambo,  you  young  scoundrel,  it  was  all  your  fault, — 


■t' 


28 


WACOUSTA. 


you  moved  your  shoulder  as  I  pulled  the  trigger.  Thank 
heaven,  however,  the  aim  of  the  Indian  appears  to  have 
been  no  better,  although  the  sharp  whistling  of  his  ball 
proves  his  piece  to  have  been  well  levelled  for  a  random 
shot. 

His  aim  has  been  too  true,"  faintly  pronounced  the 
voice  of  one  somewhat  in  the  rear  of  his  companions. 
"  The  ball  of  the  villain  has  found  a  lodgment  in  my 
breast.  God  bless  ye  all,  my  boys ;  may  your  fates  be 
more  lucky  than  mine  !"  While  he  yet  spoke.  Lieuten- 
ant Murphy  sank  into  the  arms  of  Blessington  and  De 
Haldimar,  who  had  flown  to  him  at  the  fu'st  intimation 
of  his  wound,  and  was  in  the  next  instant  a  corpse. 


I 


i    \i 


il    ' 


WACOUSTA. 


29 


rger.  Thank 
cars  to  have 
r  of  his  ball 
»r  a  random 

lounced  the 
companions, 
nent  in  my 
OUT  fates  be 
ke,  Lieuten- 
ton  and  De 
'.  intimation 
X)rpse. 


CHAPTER  III. 

"  To  your  companies,  gentlemen,  to  your  companies 
on  the  instant.  There  is  treason  in  the  fort,  and  we  had 
need  of  all  our  diligence  and  caution.  Captain  de  Hal- 
dimar  is  missing,  and  the  gate  has  been  found  unlocked. 
Quick,  gentlemen,  quick ;  even  now  the  savages  may  be 
around  us,  though  unseen." 

"  Captain  de  Haldimar  missing ! — the  gate  unlocked  !" 
exclaimed  a  number  of  voices.  "  Impossible  ! — surely 
we  are  not  betrayed  by  our  own  men."  "The  sentinel  has 
been  relieved,  and  is  now  in  irons,"  resumed  the  com- 
municator  of  this  startling  piece  of  intelligence.  It  was 
the  adjutant  of  the  regiment. 

"  Away,  gentlemen,  to  your  posts  immediately,"  said 
Captain  Blessington,  who,  a  ded  by  De  Haldimar,  hastened 
to  deposit  the  stiffening  bodyof  tlie  unfortunate  Murphy, 
which  they  still  supported,  upon  the  rampart.  Then 
addressing  the  adjutant, "  Mr.  Lawson,  let  a  couple  of 
files  be  sent  immediately  to  remove  the  body  of  tlieir 
officer." 

"  That  shot  which  I  heard  fi*om  the  common,  as  I  ap- 
proached, was  not  fired  at  random,  then,  I  find,"  ob- 
served the  adjutant,  as  they  all  now  hastily  descended  to 
join  their  men,  "  Who  has  fallen  ?"  "  Murphy,  of  the 
grenadiers,"  was  the  reply  of  one  near  him. 

"  Poor  fellow  !  our  work  commences  badly,"  resumed 
Mr.  Lawson  :  "  Murphy  killed,  and  Captain  de  Haldimar 
missing.  We  had  few  officers  enough  to  spare  before, 
and  their  loss  will  be  severely  felt ;  I  greatly  fear,  too, 

3» 


'■'It''-'  •' 


•!■':  ■: 
'if-'  • 

I' 

vli- 
ill 


11 


III 


jl. 


if 


i 

1 1 


30 


WACOUSTA. 


these  casualties  may  have  a  tendency  to  discourage  the 


»> 


men. 

"  Nothing"  more  easy  than  to  supply  their  place,  by 
promoting  some  of  our  oldest  sergeants,"  observed  En- 
sign Delme,  who,  as  well  as  the  ill-fated  Murphy,  had 
risen  from  the  ranks.  "  If  they  behave  themselves  well, 
the  king  will  confirm  their  appointments." 

"  But  my  poor  brother,  what  of  him,  Lawson  ?  what 
have  you  learnt  connected  with  his  disappearance?" 
asked  Charles  de  Haldimar  with  deep  emotion.  "  No- 
thing satisfactory,  I  am  sorry  to  say,"  returned  the  ad- 
jutant :  "  in  fact,  the  whole  affair  is  a  mystery  which  no 
one  can  unravel ;  even  at  this  moment  the  sentinel, 
Frank  Halloway,  who  is  strongly  suspected  of  being 
privy  to  his  disappearance,  is  undergoing  a  private  ex- 
amination by  your  father  the  governor." 

"  Frank  Halloway !"  repeated  the  youth  with  a  start 
of  astonishment ;  *'  surely  Halloway  could  never  prove  a 
traitor, — and  especially  to  my  brother,  whose  life  he 
once  saved  at  the  peril  of  his  own." 

The  officers  had  now  gained  the  parade,  when  the 
"Fall  in,  gentlemen,  fall  in,"  quickly  pronounced  by 
Major  Blackwater,  prevented  all  further  questioning  on 
the  part  of  the  younger  De  Haldimar.  The  scene,  though 
circumscribed  in  limit,  was  picturesque  in  effect,  and 
might  have  been  happily  illustrated  by  the  pencil  of  the 
painter.  The  immediate  area  of  the  parade  was  filled 
with  armed  men,  distributed  into  three  divisions,  and 
forming,  with  their  respective  ranks  fac'  ii^  jutwards, 
as  many  sides  of  a  hollow  square,  the  mode  of  defence 
invariably  adopted  by  the  governor  in  all  cases  of  sudden 
alarm. 

In  a  few  minutes  from  the  falling  in  of  the  officers 
with  their  respective  companies,  the  clank  of  irons  was 


WACOUSTA. 


31 


ira^e  the 

(lace,  by 
rved  En- 
jhy,  had 
ves  well, 

1  ?  what 
irance  ?" 
I.  "  No- 
I  the  ad- 
vhich  no 
sentinel, 
of  being" 
ivate  ex- 

h  a  start 
•  prove  a 
life  he 

hen  the 

iced  by 

ning  on 

though 

ct,  and 

of  the 

IS  filled 

ns,  and 

twards, 

defence 

sudden 

officers 
ins  was 


f& 


heard  in  the  direction  of  the  guard-room,  and  several 
forms  were  seen  slowly  advancing  into  the  area  already 
occupied  as  we  have  described.  This  party  was  preceded 
by  the  Adjutant  Lawson,  who,  advancing  towards  Major 
Blackwater,  communicated  a  message,  that  was  followed 
by  the  command  of  the  latter  officer  for  the  three  divisions 
to  face  inwards.  The  officer  of  artillery  also  gave  the 
word  to  his  men  to  form  lines  of  single  files  immediately 
in  the  rear  of  their  respective  guns,  leaving  space  enough 
for  the  entrance  of  the  approaching  party,  which  con- 
sisted of  half  a  dozen  files  of  the  guard,  under  a  non- 
commissioned officer,  and  one  whose  manacled  limbs, 
rather  than  his  unaccoutred  uniform,  attested  him  to  be 
not  merely  a  prisoner,  but  a  prisoner  confined  for  some 
serious  and  flagrant  offence. 

This  party  now  advanced  through  the  vacant  quarter 
of  the  square,  and  took  their  stations  immediately  in  the 
centre.  Here  the  countenances  of  each,  and  particularly 
that  of  the  prisoner,  who  was,  if  we  may  so  term  it,  the 
centre  of  that  centre,  were  thrown  into  strong  relief  by 
the  bright  glare  of  the  torches,  so  that  the  features  of  the 
prisoner  stood  revealed  to  those  around  as  plainly  as  if  it 
had  been  noon  day.  Not  a  sound,  not  a  murmur,  escaped 
from  the  ranks :  but,  though  the  etiquette  and  strict  laws 
of  military  discipline  chained  all  speech,  the  workings  of 
the  inward  mind  remained  unchecked  ;  and  as  they  re- 
cognised in  the  prisoner  Frank  Halloway,  one  of  the 
bravest  and  boldest  in  the  field,  and,  as  all  had  hitherto 
imagined,  one  of  the  most  devoted  to  his  duty,  an  irre- 
pressible thrill  of  amazement  and  dismay  crept  through- 
out the  frames,  and  for  a  moment  blanched  the  cheeks  of 
those  especially  who  belonged  to  the  same  company.  On 
being  summoned  from  their  fruitless  search  after  the 
stranger,  to  fall  in  without  delay,  it  had  been  whispered 


f '   ' ' 

I 


32 


WACOUSTA. 


^ 


■h 


I,  ■' 


f  I 


among  the  men  that  treason  liad  crept  into  the  fort,  and 
a  traitor,  partly  detected  in  his  crime,  had  been  arrested 
and  thrown  into  irons :  but  the  idea  of  Frank  Halloway 
being  that  traitor  was  the  last  that  could  have  entered 
into  their  thoughts,  and  yet  they  now  beheld  him  covered 
with  every  mark  of  ignominy,  and  about  to  answer  his 
high  offence,  in  all  human  probability,  with  his  life. 

With  the  officers  the  reputation  of  Halloway  for  courage 
and  fidelity  stood  no  less  high;  but,  while  they  ...ecretly 
lamented  the  circumstance  of  his  defalcation,  they  could 
not  disguise  from  themselves  the  almost  certainty  of  his 
guilt,  for  each,  as  he  now  gazed  upon  the  prisoner,  recol- 
lected the  confusion  and  hesitation  of  manner  lie  had 
evinced  when  questioned  by  them  preparatory  to  their 
ascending  to  the  ramparts. 

Once  more  the  suspense  of  the  moment  was  interrupted 
by  the  entrance  of  other  forms  into  the  area.  They  were 
those  of  the  adjutant,  followed  by  a  drummer,  bearing 
his  instrument,  and  the  governor's  orderly,  charged  with 
pens,  ink,  paper,  and  a  book  which,  from  its  peculiar 
form  and  colour,  every  one  present  knew  to  be  a  copy  of 
the  articles  of  war.  A  variety  of  contending  emotions 
passed  through  the  breasts  of  many,  as  they  witnessed 
the  silent  progress  of  these  preparations,  rendered  pain- 
fully  interesting  by  the  peculiarity  of  their  position,  and 
the  wildness  of  the  hour  at  which  they  thus  found  them- 
selves assembled  together.  The  prisoner  himself  was 
unmoved :  he  stood  proud,  calm,  and  fearless,  amid  tlie 
guard,  of  whom  he  had  so  recently  formed  one ;  and 
though  his  countenance  was  pale,  as  much,  perhaps, 
from  a  sense  of  the  ignominious  character  in  which  he 
appeared  as  from  more  private  considerations,  still  there 
was  nothing  to  denote  either  the  abjectnessof  fear  or  the 
consciousness  of  merited  disgrace.     Once  or  twice  a  low 


i 


WACOUSTA. 


33 


le  fort,  and 
en  arrested 
L  Halloway 
ive  entered 
im  covered 
answer  his 
is  life, 
forcourage 
ey  occretly 
they  could 
inty  of  his 
Dner,  recol- 
ler  lie  Iiad 
ry  to  their 

interrupted 

They  were 

;r,  bearing 

arged  with 

ts  peculiar 

a  copy  of 

emotions 

witnessed 

lered  pain- 

ition,  and 

ind  them- 

self  was 

amid  the 

one ;  and 

perhaps, 

which  he 

itill  there 

ar  or  the 

lice  a  low 


§ 


sobbing,  that  proceeded  at  intervals  from  one  of  the  bar- 
rack windows,  caught  his  ear,  and  he  turned  his  glance 
in  that  direction  with  a  restless  anxiety,  which  he  exerted 
himself  in  the  instant  afterwards  to  repress ;  but  this  was 
the  only  mark  of  emotion  he  betrayed. 

The  above  dispositions  having  been  hastily  made,  the 
adjutant  and  his  assistants  once  more  retired.  After  the 
lapse  of  a  minute,  a  tall  martial-looking  man,  habited  in 
a  blue  military  frock,  and  of  handsome,  though  stern, 
liaughty,  and  inflexible  features,  entered  the  area.  He 
was  followed  by  Major  Blackwater,  the  captain  of  artillery, 
and  Adjutant  Lawson. 

"  Are  the  garrison  all  present,  Mr.  Lawson  ?  are  the 
officers  all  present  ?" 

"All  except  those  of  the  guard,  sir,"  replied  the  adjutant, 
touching  his  hat  with  a  submission  that  was  scrupulously 
exacted  on  all  occasions  of  duty  by  his  superior. 

The  governor  passed  his  hand  for  a  moment  over  his 
brows.  It  seemed  to  those  around  him  as  if  the  mention 
of  that  guard  had  called  up  recollections  which  gave  him 
pain;  and  it  might  be  so,  for  his  eldest  son.  Captain 
Frederick  de  Haldimar,  had  commanded  the  guard. 
Whither  he  had  disappeared,  or  in  what  manner,  no  one 
knew. 

"  Are  the  artillery  all  present.  Captain  Wentworth  ?" 
again  demanded  the  governor,  after  a  moment  of  silence, 
and  in  his  wonted  firm  authoritative  voice. 

"  All  present,  sir,"  rejoined  the  officer,  following  the 
example  of  the  adjutant,  and  saluting  his  chief. 

"  Then  let  a  drum-head  court-martial  be  assembled 
immediately,  Mr.  Lawson,  and  without  reference  to  the 
roster  let  the  senior  officers  be  selected." 

The  adjutant  went  round  to  the  respective  divisions, 
and  in  a  low  voice  warned  Captain  Blessington,  and  the 


?!' 


rp. 


34 


WACOUSTA. 


four  senior  subalterns,  for  that  duty.  One  by  one  the 
officers,  as  they  were  severally  called  upon,  left  their 
places  in  the  square,  and  sheathing-  their  swords,  stepped 
into  that  part  of  the  area  appointed  as  their  temporary 
court.  They  were  now  all  assembled,  and  Captain  Bles- 
sington,  the  senior  of  his  rank  in  the  garrison,  was  pre- 
paring to  administer  the  customary  oaths,  when  the 
prisoner  Halloway  advanced  a  pace  or  two  in  front  of  his 
escort,  and  removing  his  cap,  in  a  clear,  firm,  but  re- 
spectful voice,  thus  addressed  the  governo:' : — 

"  Colonel  do  Haldimar,  that  I  am  no  traitor,  as  I  have 
already  told  you,  the  Almighty  God,  before  whom  I 
swore  allegiance  to  his  majesty,  can  bear  me  witness. 
Appearances,  I  own,  are  against  me :  but,  so  far  from 
being  a  traitor,  I  would  have  shed  my  last  drop  of  blood 
in  defence  of  the  garrison  and  your  family.  Colonel  de 
Haldimar,"  he  piursued,  after  a  momentary  pause,  in 
which  he  seemed  to  be  struggling  to  subdue  the  emotion 
which  rose,  despite  of  himself,  to  his  throat,  "  I  repeat,  I 
am  no  traitor,  and  I  scorn  the  imputation — but  here  is 
my  best  answer  to  the  charge.  This  wound,  (and  he 
unbuttoned  his  jacket,  opened  his  shirt,  and  disclosed  a 
deep  scar  upon  his  white  chest,)  this  wound  I  received 
in  defence  of  my  captain's  life  at  Quebec.  Had  I  not 
loved  him,  I  should  not  so  have  exposed  myself,  neither 
but  for  tliat  should  I  now  stand  in  the  situation  of  shame 
and  danger,  in  which  my  comrades  behold  me." 

Every  heart  was  touched  by  this  appeal — this  bold  and 
manly  appeal  to  the  consideration  of  the  governor.  The 
officers,  especially,  who  were  fully  conversant  with  the 
general  merit  of  Halloway,  were  deeply  affected,  and 
Charles  de  Haldimar — the  young,  the  generous,  the 
f*ieling  Charles  de  Haldimar, — even  shed  tears. 

"Whatmeanyou,  prisoner  ?"  interrogated  the  governor. 


•^. 


WACOUSTA. 


35 


y  one  the 
left  their 
Is,  stepped 
temporary 
)tain  Bles- 
1,  was  pre- 
when  the 
ront  of  his 
n,  but  re- 
us I  have 
3  whom  I 
le  witness. 
>  far  from 
ip  of  blood 
Colonel  de 
pause,  in 
e  emotion 
[  repeat,  I 
ut  here  is 
J,  (and  he 
isclosed  a 
received 
ad  I  not 
neither 
of  shame 

bold  and 
nor.  Tlie 
with  the 
ted,  and 
ous,   the 

rovernor, 


1 


after  a  short  pause,  during  which  he  appeared  to  be  weigh- 
ing- and  deducing  inferences  from  the  expressions  just 
uttered.  "  What  mean  you,  by  stating,  but  for  that  (al- 
luding to  your  regard  for  Captain  de  Haldimar)  you 
would  not  now  be  in  this  situation  of  shame  and  danger  ?" 

The  prisoner  hesitated  a  moment ;  and  then  rejoined, 
but  in  atone  that  had  less  of  firmness  in  it  than  before,— 
"  Colonel  de  Haldimar,  I  am  not  at  liberty  to  state  my 
meaning;  for,  though  a  private  soldier,  I  respect  my 
word,  and  have  pledged  myself  to  secrecy." 

"  You  respect  yoar  word,  and  have  pledged  yourself 
to  secrecy  !  What  mean  you,  man,  by  this  rhodomontade  ? 
To  whom  can  you  have  pledged  yourself,  and  for  what, 
unless  it  be  to  some  secret  enemy  without  the  walls  ? 
Gentlemen,  proceed  to  your  duty  :  it  is  evident  that  the 
man  is  a  traitor,  even  from  his  own  admission.  On  my 
life,"  he  pursued,  more  hurriedly,  and  speaking  in  an 
under  tone,  as  if  to  himself,  "  the  fellow  has  been  bribed 

by,  and  is  connected  with ."    The  name  escaped 

not  his  lips ;  for,  aware  of  the  emotion  he  was  betraying, 
he  suddenly  checked  himself,  and  assumed  his  wonted 
stern  and  authoritative  bearing. 

Once  more  the  prisoner  addressed  the  governor  in  the 
same  clear  firm  voice  in  which  he  had  opened  his  ap- 
peal. 

"  Colonel  de  Haldimar,  I  have  no  connection  with  any 
living  soul  without  the  fort ;  and  again  I  repeat,  I  am  no 
traitor,  but  a  true  and  loyal  British  soldier,  as  my  services 
in  this  war,  and  my  comrades,  can  well  attest.  Still,  I 
seek  not  to  shun  that  death  which  I  have  braved  a  dozen 

times  at  least  in  the regiment.    All  that  I  ask  is, 

that  I  may  not  be  tried — that  I  may  not  have  the  shame 
of  hearing  sentence  pronounced  against  me  yet ;  but 
if  nothing  should  occur  before  eight  o'clock  to  vindicate 


ir^ 

> 

•1 

' .  >' 

1 

<  "! 


^t  If 
fill 


r 


7"i 


]±  m 


36 


WACOUSTA. 


my  character  from  this  disgrace,  I  will  offer  up  no  further 
prayer  for  mercy.  In  the  name  of  that  life,  therefore, 
which  I  once  preserved  to  Captain  de  Haldimar,  at  the 
price  of  my  own  blood,  I  entreat  a  respite  from  trial  until 
then." 

"  In  the  name  of  God  and  all  his  angels,  let  mercy 
reacli  your  soul,  and  grant  his  prayer  !" 

Every  ear  was  startled — every  heart  touched  by  the 
plaintive,  melancholy,  silver  tones  of  the  voice  that  faintly 
pronounced  the  last  appeal,  and  all  recognised  it  for  that 
of  the  young,  interesting,  and  attached  wife  of  the  prisoner. 
Again  the  latter  turned  his  gaze  towards  the  window 
whence  the  sounds  proceeded,  and  by  the  glare  of  the 
torches  a  tear  was  distinctly  seen  by  many  coursing 
down  his  manly  cheek.  The  weakness  was  momentary. 
In  the  next  instant  he  closed  his  shirt  and  coat,  and 
resuming  his  cap  stepped  back  once  more  amid  his  guard, 
where  he  remained  stationary,  with  the  air  of  one  who, 
having  nothing  further  to  hope,  has  resolved  to  endure 
the  worst  that  can  happen  with  resignation  and  for- 
titude. 

Afler  the  lapse  of  a  few  moments,  again  devoted  to 
much  apparent  deep  thought  and  conjecture,  the  governor 
once  more,  and  rather  hurriedly,  resumed, — 

"  In  the  event,  prisoner,  of  this  delay  in  your  trial 
being  granted,  will  you  pledge  yourself  to  disclose  the 
secret  to  which  you  have  alluded  ?  Recollect,  there  is 
nothing  but  that  which  can  save  your  memory  from 
being  consigned  to  infamy  for  ever  ;  for  who,  among  your 
comrades,  will  believe  the  idle  denial  of  your  treachery, 
when  there  is  the  most  direct  proof  against  you  ?  If  your 
secret  die  with  you,  moreover,  every  honest  man  will 
consider  it  as  having  been  one  so  infamous  and  injurious 
to  your  character,  that  you  were  ashamed  to  reveal  it," 


*-:^ 


■  fA 


i 


WACOUSTA. 


37 


ip  no  further 
3,  therefore, 
imar,  at  the 
tn  trial  until 

,  let  mercy 

died  by  the 
I  that  faintly 
d  it  for  that 
the  prisoner, 
the  window 
^lare  of  the 
ly  coursing 
momentary, 
d  coat,  and 
id  his  guard, 
of  one  who, 
d  to  endure 
m  and  for- 

devoted  to 
le  governor 

your  trial 

lisclose  the 

^t,  there  is 

lory  from 

long  your 

treachery, 

?   If  your 

man  will 

injurious 

3veal  it." 


These  suggestions  of  the  colonel  were  not  without 
their  eiiect ;  for,  in  the  sudden  swelling  of  the  prisoner's 
chest,  as  allusion  was  made  to  the  disgrace  that  would 
attach  to  his  memory,  there  was  evidence  of  a  high  and 
generous  spirit,  to  whom  obloquy  was  far  more  hateful 
tl?an  even  death  itself. 

"  I  do  promise,"  he  at  length  replied,  stepping  forward, 
and  uncovering  himself  as  before, — "  if  no  one  appear  to 
justify  my  conduct  at  the  hour  I  have  named,  a  full  dis- 
closure of  all  I  know  touching  this  affair  shall  be  made. 
And  may  God,  of  his  infinite  mercy,  grant,  for  Captain 
de  Haldimar's  sake,  as  well  as  mine,  I  may  not  then  be 
wholly  deserted !" 

There  was  something  so  peculiarly  solemn  and  im- 
pressive in  the  manner  in  which  the  unhappy  man  now 
expressed  himself,  that  a  feeling  of  the  utmost  awe  crept 
into  the  bosoms  of  the  surrounding  throng ;  and  more 
than  one  veteran  of  the  grenadiers,  the  company  to  which 
Halloway  belonged,  was  heard  to  relieve  his  cliest  of  tlie 
long  pent-up  sigh  that  struggled  for  release. 

"  Enough,  prisoner,"  rejoined  the  governor  ;  "  on  tlys 
condition  do  I  grant  your  request ;  but  recollect, — your 
disclosure  ensm'es  no  hope  of  pardon,  unless,  indeed,  you 
have  the  fullest  proof  to  offer  in  your  defence.  Do  you 
perfectly  understand  me  ?" 

"  I  do,"  replied  the  soldier  firmly ;  and  again  he  placed 
^piis  cap  on  his  head,  and  retired  a  step  or  two  back  among 
^the  guard. 

"  Mr.  Lawson,  let  the  prisoner  be  removed,  and  con- 
,  ducted  to  one  of  the  private  cells.  Who  is  the  subaltern 
of  the  guard  ?" 

"  Ensign  Fortescue,"  was  the  answer. 

"  Then  let  Ensign  Fortescue  keep  the  key  of  the  cell 

VOL.  J 4 


"V 


f.V   .'■ 


38 


WACOUSTA. 


ili 


\  m; 


I ' 


i.„ 


liimself.    Tell  him  moreover,  I  shall  hold  him  individu- 
ally responsible  for  his  charge." 

Once  more  the  prisoner  was  marched  out  of  the  area; 
and,  as  the  clanking-  sound  of  his  chains  became  gradually- 
fainter  in  the  distance,  the  same  voice  that  had  before 
interrupted  the  proceedings,  pronounced  a  "God  be 
praised  I — God  be  praised  !"  with  such  melody  of  sorrow 
in  its  intonations  that  no  one  could  listen  to  it  unmoved. 
Both  officers  and  men  were  more  or  less  affected,  and  all 
hoped — tliey  scarcely  knew  why  or  what-^-but  all  hoped 
something  favourable  would  occur  to  save  the  life  of  the 
brave  and  unhappy  Frank  Hallow  ay. 

Of  the  first  interruption  by  the  wife  of  the  prisoner  the 
governor  had  taken  no  notice :  but  on  this  repetition  of  the 
expression  of  her  feelings  he  briefly  summoned,  in  the 
absence  of  the  adjutant,  the  sergeant-major  of  the  regi- 
ment to  his  side. 

"  Sergeant-major  Bletson,  I  desire  that,  in  future,  on 
all  occasions  of  this  kind,  the  women  of  the  regiment 
may  be  kept  out  of  the  way.  Look  to  it,  sir !" 
*  The  sergeant-major,  who  had  stood  erect  as  his  own 
halbert,  which  he  held  before  him  in  a  saluting  posi- 
tion,  during  this  brief  admonition  of  his  colonel,  ac- 
knowledged, by  a  certain  air  of  deferential  respect  and 
dropping  of  the  eyes,  unaccompanied  by  speech  of  any 
kind,  that  he  felt  the  reproof,  and  would,  in  future,  take 
care  to  avoid  all  similar  cause  for  complaint.  He  then 
stalked  stiffly  away,  and  resumed,  in  a  few  hasty  strides, 
his  position  in  rear  of  the  troops. 

"  Hard-hearted  man  !"  pursued  the  same  voice  :  "  if 
my  prayers  of  gratitude  to  heaven  give  offbnce,  may  the 
hour  never  conic  when  my  lips  shall  pronounce  their 
bitterest  curse  iijmn  your  severity!" 


WA.COUSTA. 


39 


the  area; 
gradually 
lad  before 
"God  be 
of  sorrow 
unmoved. 
;d,  and  all 
all  hoped 
life  of  the 

isoner  the 

tion  of  the 

3d,  in  the 

the  regi- 

future,  on 
regiment 

s  his  own 
ting  posi- 
lonel,  ac- 
jpect  and 
1  of  any 
ure,  take 
He  then 
y  strides, 

oice :  "  if 
may  tlu; 
nee  their 


Ak 


There  was  something  so  painfully  wild — so  solemnly 
prophetic — in  these  sounds  of  sorrow  as  they  fell  faintly 
upon  the  ear,  and  especially  under  the  extraordinary  cir- 
cumstances of  the  night,  that  they  might  have  been  taken 
for  the  warnings  of  some  supernatural  agency.  During 
tlieir  utterance,  not  even  the  breathing  of  human  life  was 
to  be  heard  in  the  ranks.  In  the  next  instant,  however, 
Sergeant-major  Bletson  was  seen  repairing,  with  long 
and  hasty  strides,  to  the  barrack  whence  the  voice  pro- 
ceeded, and  the  interruption  was  heard  no  more. 

Meanwhile  the  officers,  who  had  been  summoned  from 
the  ranks  for  the  purpose  of  forming  the  court-martial, 
still  lingered  in  the  centre  of  tlie  square,  apparently 
waiting  for  the  order  of  their  superior,  before  they  should 
resume  their  respective  stations.  As  the  quick  and  com- 
prehensive glance  of  Colonel  de  Haldimar  now  embraced 
the  group,  he  at  once  became  sensible  of  the  absence  of 
one  of  the  seniors,  all  of  whom  he  had  desired  should  be 
selected  for  the  court-martial. 

"Mr.  Lawson,"  he  remarked,  somewhat  sternly,  as 
the  adjutant  now  returned  from  delivering  over  his  pri- 
soner to  Ensign  Fortescuc,  "I  thought  I  understood 
from  your  report  the  officers  were  all  present !" 

"  I  believe,  sir,  my  report  will  be  found  perfectly  cor- 
rect," returned  the  adjutant,  in  a  tone  which,  without 
being  disrespectful,  marked  liis  offended  sense  of  the  im- 
plication. 

"  And  Lieutenant  Murpliy '» 

"  Is  here,  sir,"  said  the  adjutant,  pointing  to  a  couple 
of  files  of  the  guard,  who  were  bearing  a  heavy  burden, 
and  following  into  the  square.  "  Lieutenant  Murphy," 
he  pursued,  "  has  been  siiot  on  the  ramparts  ;  and  I  have, 
as  directed   by  Captain   Blessington,   caused   the  body 


'  .  ► 


40 


WACOUSTA. 


^ 


pi: 


I  ■.   I 


•iiii  f 


'^1 


II- 


to  be  brought  here,  that  I  may  receive  your  orders  re- 
specting- the  interment."  As  he  spoke,  he  removed  a 
long  military  grey  cloak,  which  completely  enshrouded 
the  corpse,  and  disclosed,  by  the  light  of  the  still  brightly 
flaming  torches  of  the  gunners,  the  features  of  the  un- 
fortunate Murphy. 

"  How  did  he  meet  his  death  ?"  enquired  the  governor ; 
without,  however,  manifesting  the  slightest  surprise,  or 
appearing  at  all  moved  at  the  discovery. 

"  By  a  rifle  shot  fired  from  the  common,  near  the  old 
bomb  proof,"  observed  Captain  Blessington,  as  the  adju- 
tant looked  to  him  for  the  particular  explanation  he  could 
not  render  himself. 

"Ah!  this  reminds  me,"  pursued  the  austere  com- 
mandant,— *■*■  there  was  a  shot  fired  also  from  the  ram- 
parts.    By  whom,  and  at  what  ?" 

"  By  me,  sir,"  said  Lieutenant  Valletort,  coming  for- 
ward from  the  ranks,  "  and  at  what  I  conceived  to  be  an 
Indian,  lurking  as  a  spy  upon  the  common." 

"  Then,  Lieutenant  Sir  Everard  Valletort,  no  repeti- 
tion  of  these  firings,  if  you  please ;  and  let  it  be  borne 
in  mind  by  all,  that  although,  from  the  peculiar  nature  of 
the  service  in  which  we  are  engaged,  I  so  far  depart 
from  the  established  regulations  of  the  army  as  to  permit 
my  officers  to  arm  themselves  with  rifles,  they  are  to  be 
used  only  as  occasion  may  require  in  the  hour  of  con- 
flict,  and  not  for  the  purpose  of  throwing  a  whole  garri- 
son into  alarm  by  trials  of  skill  and  dexterity  upon  sha- 
dows at  this  unseasonable  hour." 

"  I  was  not  aware,  sir,"  returned  Sir  Everard  proudly, 
and  secretly  galled  at  being  thus  addressed  before  the 
men,  "  it  could  bo  deemed  a  military  crime  to  destroy 
an  enemy  at  whatever  hour  he  might  present  himself, 


^^'•i 


WACOUSTA. 


41 


uders  te- 
jmoved  a 
ishrouded 
1  briglitly 
►f  the  un- 

yovernor ; 
irprise,  or 

,r  the  old 
the  adju- 
1  he  could 

fcere  com- 
;  the  ram- 
ming for- 
a  to  be  an 

lo  repeti- 
be  borne 
nature  of 
,r  depart 
|to  permit 
are  to  be 
of  con- 
>le  garri- 
pon  slia- 

proudl_y, 
iCoTc  the 
destroy 
himself, 


:# 


and  especially  on  such  an  occasion  as  the  present.  As 
for  my  firing  at  a  shadow,  those  who  heard  the  yell  that 
followed  the  second  shot,  can  determine  that  it  came 
from  no  shadow,  but  from  a  fiorce  and  vindictive  enemy. 
The  cry  denoted  even  something  more  than  the  ordinary 
defiance  of  an  Indian :  it  seemed  to  express  a  fiendish 
sentiment  of  personal  triumph  and  revenge." 

The  governor  started  involuntarily.  "  Do  you  ima- 
gine, Sir  Everard  Valletort,  the  aim  of  your  rifle  was 
true — that  you  hit  him?" 

The  question  was  asked  so  hurriedly,  and  in  a  tone  so 
different  from  that  in  which  he  had  hitherto  spoken,  that 
the  officers  around  simultaneously  raised  their  eyes  to 
those  of  their  colonel  with  an  expression  of  undissem- 
bled  surprise.  He  observed  it,  and  instantly  resumed  his 
habitual  sternness  of  look  and  manner. 

"  I  rather  fear  not,  sir,"  replied  Sir  Everard,  who  had 
principally  remarked  the  emotion ,  "  but  may  I  hope  (and 
this  was  said  with  emphasis),  in  the  evident  disappoint- 
ment you  experience  at  my  want  of  success,  my  offence 
may  be  overlooked  ?" 

The  governor  fixed  his  penetrating  eyes  on  the  speak- 
er,  as  if  he  would  have  read  his  inmost  mind;  and  then 
calmly,  and  even  impressively  observed, — 

"  Sir  Everard  Valletort,  I  do  overlook  the  offence,  and 
hope  you  may  as  easily  forgive  yourself.  It  were  well, 
however,  that  your  indiscretion,  which  can  only  find  its 
excuse  in  your  being  so  young  an  officer,  had  not  been 
altogether  without  some  good  result.  Had  you  killed  or 
disabled  the — the  savage,  there  n.ight  have  been  a  decent 
palliative  offered;  but  what  must  be  your  feelings,  sir, 
when  you  reflect,  the  death  of  yon  officer,"  and  he  pointed 
to  the  corpse  of  the  unhappy  Murphy,  "  is,  in  a  great 

4* 


,m^^ 


fMttf  i'>'l-7jh 

||''     '''*l 

0' 

]:%     ■   ;l, 

I.      i. 


i    :  I 

■  n 

,  i 

:  ] 

.  i 

;  t 


ImW 


I  ■  'i 


111 

f 


'   I 


ill' 


'V  '111 


42 


WACOUSTA. 


degree,  attributable  to  yourself?  Had  you  not  provoked 
the  anger  of  the  savage,  and  given  a  direction  to  his  aim 
by  the  impotent  and  wanton  discharge  of  your  own  rifle, 
this  accident  would  never  have  happened." 

This  severe  reproving  of  an  officer,  who  had  acted 
from  the  most  praiseworthy  of  motives,  and  who  could 
not  possibly  have  anticipated  the  unfortunate  catastrophe 
that  had  occurred,  was  considered  especially  harsh  and 
unkind  by  every  one  present ;  and  a  low  and  almost  in- 
audible murmur  passed  through  the  company  to  which 
Sir  Everard  was  attached.  For  a  minute  or  two  that 
officer  also  appeared  deeply  pained,  not  more  from  the  re- 
proof itself  than  from  the  new  light  in  which  the  obser- 
vation of  Ills  chief  had  taught  him  to  view,  for  the  first 
time,  the  causes  that  had  led  to  the  fall  of  Murphy. 
Finding,  however,  that  the  governor  had  no  further  re- 
mark to  address  to  him,  he  once  more  returned  to  his 
station  in  the  ranks. 

"  Mr.  Lawson,"  resumed  the  commandant,  turning  to 
the  adjutant,  "  let  this  victim  be  carried  to  the  spot  on 
which  he  fell,  and  there  interred.  I  know  no  better  grave 
for  a  soldier  than  beneath  the  sod  that  has  been  moist- 
ened with  his  blood.  Recollect,"  he  continued,  as  the 
adjutant  once  more  led  the  party  out  of  the  area, — "  no 
firing,  Mr.  Lawson.  The  duty  must  be  silently  perform- 
ed, and  without  the  risk  of  provoking  a  forest  of  arrows, 
or  a  shower  of  bullets,  from  the  savages.  Major  Black- 
water,"  he  pursued,  as  soon  as  the  corpse  had  been  re- 
moved, "  let  the  men  pile  their  arms  even  as  they  now 
stand,  and  remain  ready  to  fall  in  at  a  minute^s  notice. 
Should  any  thing  extraordinary  happen  before  the  morn- 
ing, you  will,  of  course,  apprise  me."     He  then  strode 


^ 


M 


>i^: 


WACOUSTA. 


43 


t  provoked 

to  his  aim 

r  own  rifle, 

had  acted 
who  could 
catastrophe 

harsh  and 

almost  in- 
ly to  which 
►r  two  that 
Tom  the  re- 
i  the  obser- 
br  the  first 
)f  Murphy. 

further  re- 
rned  to  his 

turning  to 
;he  spot  on 
tetter  grave 
►een  moist- 
led,  as  the 


irea. 


_« 


no 


\y  perform- 
of  arrows, 
ior  Black- 
been  re- 
they  now 
;*s  notice. 
I  the  morn- 
len  strode 


n 


out  of  the  area  with  the  same  haughty  and  measured 
step  that  had  characterised  his  entrance. 

"  Our  colonel  does  not  appear  to  be  in  one  of  his  most 
amiable  moods  to-night,"  observed  Captain  Blessington, 
as  the  officers,  after  having  disposed  of  their  respective 
companies,  now  proceeded  along  the  ramparts  to  assist 
at  the  last  funeral  offices  of  their  unhappy  associate. 
"  He  was  disposed  to  be  severe,  and  must  have  put  you, 
in  some  measure,  out  of  conceit  with  your  favourite  rifle, 
Valletort." 

"  True,"  rejoined  the  baronet,  who  had  already  rallied 
from  the  momentary  depression  of  his  spirits,  "  he  hit 
me  devilish  hard,  I  confess,  and  was  disposed  to  display 
more  of  the  commanding  officer  than  quite  suits  my 
ideas  of  the  service.  His  words  were  as  caustic  as  his 
looks;  and  could  both  have  pierced  me  to  the  quick, 
there  was  no  inclination  on  his  part  wanting.  By  my 
soul  1  could  ....  but  I  forgive  him.  He  is  the  father 
of  my  friend :  and  for  that  reason  will  I  chew  the  cud  of 
my  mortification,  nor  sufler,  if  possible,  a  sense  of  his 
unkindness  to  rankle  at  my  heart.  At  all  events,  Bles- 
sington, my  mind  is  made  up,  and  resign  or  exchange  I 
certainly  shall  the  instant  I  can  find  a  decent  loop-hole  to 
creep  out  of." 

Sir  Everard  fancied  the  ear  of  his  captain  was  alone 
listening  to  these  expressions  of  his  feeling,  or  in  all  pro- 
bability he  would  not  have  uttered  them.  As  he  con- 
cluded the  last  sentence,  however,  he  felt  his  arm  gently 
grasped  by  one  who  walked  a  pace  or  two  silently  in 
their  rear.  He  turned,  and  recognised  Charles  de  Hal- 
dimar. 

"  I  am  sure,  Valletort,  you  will  believe  how  much 
pained  I  have  been  at  the  severity  of  my  father ;  but,  in- 


m  :■  q 


■•"•■ 
r 


44 


WACOUSTA. 


K'- 


deed,  there  was  nothing  personally  offensive  intended. 
Blessington  can  tell  you,  as  well  as  myself,  it  is  his  man- 
ner altogether.  Nay,  that  although  he  is  the  first  in  se- 
niority  after  Blackwaier,  the  governor  treats  him  with 
the  same  distance  and  hauteur  hie  would  use  towards  the 
youngest  ensign  in  the  service.  Such  are  the  eflfects  of 
his  long  military  habits,  and  his  ideas  of  the  absolutism 
of  command.    Am  I  not  right,  Blessington?" 

"  Quite  right,  Charles.  Sir  Everard  may  satisfy  him- 
self his  is  no  solitary  instance  of  the  stern  severity  of 
your  father.  Still,  I  confess,  notwithstanding  the  rigidity 
of  manner  which  he  seems,  on  all  occasions,  to  think  so 
indispensable  to  the  maintenance  of  authority  in  a  com- 
manding officer,  I  never  knew  him  so  inclined  to  find 
fault  as  he  is  to-night." 

"  Perhaps,"  observed  Valletort,  good  humouredly,  "  his 
conscience  is  rather  restless ;  and  he  is  willing  to  get  rid 
of  it  and  his  spleen  together.  I  would  wager  my  rifle 
against  the  worthless  scalp  of  the  rascal  I  fired  at  to- 
night, tliat  this  same  stranger,  whose  asserted  appear- 
ance has  called  us  from  our  comfortable  beds,  is  but  the 
creation  of  his  disturbed  dreams.  Indeed,  how  is  it  pos- 
sible any  thing  formed  of  flesh  and  blood  could  have  es- 
caped us  with  the  vigilant  watch  that  has  been  kept  on 
the  ramparts?  The  old  gentleman  certainly  had  that 
illusion  strongly  impressed  on  his  mind  when  he  so  sa- 
piently  spoke  of  my  firing  at  a  shadow." 

"  But  the  gate,"  interrupted  Charles  de  Haldimar,  with 
something  of  mild  reproach  in  his  tones, — "  you  forget, 
Valletort,  the  gate  was  found  unlocked,  and  that  my  bro- 
ther is  missing,  ifc,  at  least,  was  flesh  and  blood,  as 
you  say,  and  yet  he  has  disappeared.    What  more  pro- 


WACOtJSTA. 


45 


ire  intended. 
;  is  his  man- 
le  first  in  se- 
ts him  with 
towards  the 
;he  eflfects  of 
3  absolutism 


>» 


satisfy  him- 
1  severity  of 
;  the  rigidity 
,  to  think  so 
ty  in  a  corn- 
lined  to  find 

luredly,  "  his 
ng  to  get  rid 
rer  my  rifle 

fired  at  to- 
rted  appear- 

f  is  but  the 

w  is  it  pos- 
d  have  es- 

en  kept  on 
|ly  had  that 

n  he  so  sa- 

Idimar,  with 
you  forget, 
liat  my  bro- 
[d  blood,  as 
more  pro- 


bable, therefore,  than  that  this  stranger  is  at  once  the 
cause  and  the  agent  of  his  abduction  ?" 

"  Impossible,  Charles,"  observed  Captain  Blessington  ; 
"  Frederick  was  in  the  midst  of  his  guard.  How,  there- 
fore, could  he  be  conveyed  away  without  the  alarm  being 
given  ?  Numbers  only  could  have  succeeded  in  so  des- 
perate an  enterprise;  and  yet  there  is  no  evidence,  or 
even  suspicion,  of  more  than  one  individual  having  been 
here." 

"  It  is  a  singular  affair  altogether,"  returned  Sir  Eve- 
rard,  musingly.  "Of  two  things,  however,  I  am  satis- 
fied. The  first  is,  that  the  stranger,  whoever  he  may  be, 
and  if  he  really  has  been  here,  is  no  Indian;  the  second, 
that  he  is  personally  known  to  the  governor,  who  has 
been,  or  I  mistake  much,  more  alarmed  at  his  individual 
presence  than  if  Ponteac  and  his  whole  band  had  sud- 
denly broken  in  upon  us.  Did  you  remark  his  emotion, 
when  I  dwelt  on  the  peculiar  character  of  personal 
triumph  and  revenge  which  the  cry  of  the  lurking  villain 
outside  seem  to  express  ?  and  did  you  notice  the  eager- 
ness with  which  he  enquired  if  I  thought  I  had  hit  him  ? 
Depend  upon  it,  there  is  more  in  all  this  than  is  dreamt 

:'^  of  in  our  philsophy." 

"  And  it  was  your  undisguised  perception  of  that  emo- 
ion,"  remarked  Captain  Blessington,  "  that  drew  down 
liis  se\  erity  upon  your  own  head.  It  was,  however,  too 
palpable  not  to  be  noticed  by  all ;  and  I  dare  say  conjec- 
ture is  as  busily  and  as  vaguely  at  work  among  our  com- 
panions as  it  is  with  us.  The  clue  to  the  mystery,  in  a 
great  degree,  now  dwells  with  Frank  Halloway  ;  and  to 
him  wo  must  look  for  its  elucidation.  His  disclosure 
will  be  one,  I  apprehend,  full  of  ignominy  to  himselft 

^  but  of  the  highest  interest  and  importance  to  us  all. 


,1 


W    : 


^■'    ;  .b 


■f-\'i 


,'! 


'   ^;i 


■    a 

f  ■ 

..  ■ ! 

;lff 

■, 

■■f 

\ 

fjvi 

M 


\i^ 


'  i 


46 


WACOUSTA. 


And  yet  I  know  not  how  to  believe  the  man  the  traitor 
he  appears." 

"  Did  you  remark  that  last  harrowing  exclamation  of 
his  wife?"  observed  Charles  de  Haldimar,  in  a  tone  of 
unspeakable  melancholy.  "How  fearfully  prophetic  it 
sounded  in  my  ears.  I  know  not  how  it  is,"  he  pursued, 
"  but  I  wish  I  had  not  heard  those  sounds;  for  since  that 
moment  I  have  had  a  sad  strange  presentiment  of  evil  at 
my  heart.  Heaven  grant  my  poor  brother  may  make  his 
appearance,  as  I  still  trust  he  will,  at  the  hour  Halloway 
seems  to  expect,  for  if  not,  the  latter  most  assuredly  dies. 
I  know  my  father  well ;  and,  if  convicted  by  a  court  mar- 
tial, no  human  power  can  alter  the  destiny  that  awaits 
Frank  Halloway." 

"  Rally,  my  dear  Charles,  rally,"  said  Sir  Everard,  af- 
fecting  a  confidence  lie  did  not  feel  himself;  "  indulge  not 
in  these  idle  and  superstitious  fancies.  I  pity  Halloway 
from  my  soul,  and  feel  the  deepest  interest  in  his  pretty 
and  unhappy  wife ;  but  that  is  no  reason  why  one  should 
attach  importance  to  the  incoherent  expressions  wrung 
from  her  in  the  agony  of  grief." 

"  It  is  kind  of  you,  Valletort,  to  endeavour  to  cheer 
my  spirits,  when,  if  the  truth  were  confessed,  you  ac- 
knowledge the  influence  of  the  same  feelings.  I  thank 
you  for  the  attempt,  but  time  alone  can  show  bow  far  I 
shall  have  reason,  or  otherwise,  to  lament  the  occurrences 
of  this  night." 

They  had  now  reached  that  part  of  the  ramparts  whence 
the  shot  from  Sir  Everard's  rifle  had  been  fired.  Several 
men  were  occupied  in  digging  a  grave  in  the  precise 
spot  on  which  the  unfortunate  Murphy  had  stood  when 
he  received  his  death  wound;  and  into  this,  when  com- 
pleted, the  body,  enshrouded  in  the  cloak  already  alluded 
to,  was  deposited  by  his  companions. 


5: 


-n 


WACOUSTA. 


47 


he  traitor 


imation  of 
a  tone  of 
'ophetic  it 
e  pursued, 
since  that 
t  of  evil  at 
make  his 
Halloway 
iredly  dies, 
court  mar- 
that  awaits 

Jverard,  af- 
indulge  not 
r  Halloway 
his  pretty 
one  should 
ons  wrung 

r  to  cheer 
[,  you  ac- 
I  thank 
how  far  I 
currences 

Irts  whence 
Several 
Ihe  precise 
Itood  when 
?hen  com- 
ly  alluded 


CHAPTER  IV. 


While  the  adjutant  was  yet  reading,  in  a  low  and 
solemn  voice,  the  service  for  the  dead,  a  fierce  and  distant 
yell,  as  if  from  a  legion  of  devils,  burst  suddenly  from 
the  forest,  and  brought  the  hands  of  the  startled  officers 
instinctively  to  their  swords.  This  appalling  cry  lasted, 
without  interruption,  for  many  minutes,  and  was  then,  as 
abruptly  checked  as  it  had  been  unexpectedly  delivered. 
A  considerable  pause  succeeded,  and  then  again  it  rose 
with  even  more  startling  vehemence  than  before.  By  one 
unaccustomed  to  those  devilish  sounds,  no  distinction 
could  have  been  made  in  the  two  several  yells  that  had 
been  thus  savagely  pealed  forth;  but  those  to  whom  prac- 
tice and  long  experience  in  the  warlike  habits  and  cus- 
toms of  the  Indians  had  rendered  their  shouts  familiar, 
at  once  divined,  or  fancied  they  divined,  the  cause.  The 
first  was,  to  their  conception,  a  yell  expressive  at  once  of 
vengeance  and  disappointment  in  pursuit, — perhaps  of 
some  prisoner  who  had  escaped  from  their  toils;  the 
second,  of  triumph  and  success, — in  all  probability,  indi- 
cative of  the  recapture  of  that  prisoner.  For  many  mi- 
nutes afterwards  the  officers  continued  to  listen,  with  the 
most  aching  attention,  for  a  repetition  of  the  cry,  or  even 
fainter  sounds,  that  might  denote  <?ither  a  nearer  ap- 
proach  to  the  fort,  or  the  final  departure  of  the  Indians. 
After  the  second  yell,  however,  the  woods,  in  the  heart  of 


I   ' ' 


}f. 


■1? 


I      ■ 


'.il 


ill  if? 

I'l.i 


S 


f'i- 


48 


WACOUSTA. 


which  it  appeared  to  have  been  uttered,  were  buried  in 
as  profound  a  silence  as  if  they  had  never  yet  echoed 
back  the  voice  of  man ;  and  all  at  length  became  satis- 
fied that  the  Indians,  having  accomplished  some  particu- 
lar purpose,  had  retired  once  more  to  their  distant  en- 
campments for  the  night.  Captain  Erskine  was  the  first 
who  broke  the  almost  breathless  silence  that  prevailed 
among  themselves. 

"  On  my  life,  De  Haldimar  is  a  prisoner  with  the  In- 
dians. He  has  been  attempting  his  escape, — has  been 
detected, — followed,  and  again  fallen  into  their  hands.  I 
know  their  infernal  yells  but  too  well.  The  last  expressed 
their  savage  joy  at  the  capture  of  a  prisoner ;  and  there 
is  no  one  of  us  missing  but  De  Haldimar." 

"  Not  a  doubt  of  it,"  said  Captain  Blessington;  the  cry 
was  certainly  what  you  describe  it,  and  Heaven  only 
knows  what  will  be  the  fate  of  our  poor  friend." 

No  other  ofllicer  spoke,  for  all  were  oppressed  by  the 
weight  of  their  own  feelings,  and  sought  rather  to  give 
indulgence  to  speculation  in  secret,  than  to  share  their 
impressions  with  their  companions.  Charles  de  Haldi- 
mar stood  a  little  in  the  rear,  leaning  his  head  upon  his 
hand  against  the  box  of  the  sentry,  (who  was  silently, 
though  anxiously,  pacing  his  walk,)  and  in  an  attitude 
expressive  of  the  deepest  dejection  and  sorrow. 

"  I  suppose  I  must  finish  Lawson's  work,  although  I 
am  but  a  poor  hand  at  this  sort  of  thing,"  resumed  Cap- 
tain Erskine,  taking  up  the  prayer  book  the  adjutant 
had,  in  hastening  on  the  first  alarm  to  get  the  men  under 
arms,  carelessly  thrown  on  the  grave  of  the  now  uncon- 
scious  Murphy. 

He  then  commenced  the  service  at  the  point  where 
Mr.  Lawson   had  so   abruptly  broken  off,  and  went 


i 


buried  in 
3t  echoed 
me  satis- 
e  particu- 
istant  en- 
LS  the  first 
prevailed 

th  the  In- 
-has  been 
hands.  I 
expressed 
and  there 

n;  the  cry 

iven  only 
»» 


icd  by  the 

r  to  give 

lare  their 

de  Haldi- 

upon  his 

silently, 

attitude 

"hough  I 
led  Cap- 
adjutant 
3n  under 
uncon. 

^t  where 
id   went 


WACOUSTA. 


49 


through  the  remainder  of  the  prayers.  A  very  few  mi- 
nutes sufficed  for  the  performance  of  this  solemn  duty, 
which  was  ejflfccted  by  the  faint  dim  light  of  the  at  length 
dawning  day,  and  the  men  in  attendance  proceeded  to 
fill  up  the  grave  of  their  officer. 

Gradually  the  mists,  that  had  fallen  during  the  latter 
hours  of  the  night,  began  to  ascend  from  the  common, 
and  disperse  themselves  in  air,  conveying  the  appear- 
ance of  a  rolling  sheet  of  vapour  retiring  back  upon  it- 
self, and  disclosing  objects  in  succession,  until  the  eye 
could  embrace  all  that  came  within  its  extent  of  vision. 
As  the  officers  yet  lingered  near  the  rude  grave  of  their 
companion,  watching  with  abstracted  air  the  languid  and 
almost  mechanical  action  of  their  jaded  men,  as  they 
emptied  shovel  after  shovel  of  the  damp  earth  over  the 
body  of  its  new  tenant,  they  were  suddenly  startled  by  an 
expression  of  exultation  from  Sir  Everard  Valletort 

"  By  Jupiter,  I  have  pinked  him,"  he  exclaimed  tri- 
umphantly. "  I  knew  my  rifle  could  not  err;  and  as  for 
my  sight,  I  have  carried  away  too  many  prizes  in  target- 
shooting  to  have  been  deceived  in  that.  How  delighted 
the  old  governor  will  be,  Charles,  to  hear  this.  No  more 
lecturing,  I  am  sure,  for  the  next  six  months  at  least ;" 
and  the  young  officer  rubbed  his  hands  together,  at  the 
success  of  his  shot,  with  as  much  satisfaction  and  uncon- 
cern for  the  fiiture,  as  if  he  had  been  in  his  own  native 
England,  in  the  midst  of  a  prize-ring. 

Roused  by  the  observation  of  his  friend,  De  Haldimar 
quitted  his  position  near  the  sentry  box,  and  advanced  to 
the  outer  edge  of  the  rampart.  To  him,  as  to  his  com- 
panions, the  outline  of  the  old  bomb-proof  was  now  dis- 
tinctly visible,  but  it  was  some  time  before  they  could  dis- 
cover, in  the  direction  in  which  Valletort  pointed,  a  dark 

VOL.  I. — 5 


i;t" 


'4 


rsfl 


'T-iii 


50 


WACOUSTA. 


I.  'it 


1-4 


n      I    ■  '; 


life 


:i  • 


I 


% 


speck  upon  the  common;  and  this  so  indistinctly,  they 
could  scarcely  distinguish  it  with  the  naked  eye. 

"  Your  sight  is  quite  equal  to  your  aim,  Sir  Evcrard," 
remarked  Lieutenant  Johnstone,  one  of  Erskine's  subal- 
terns, "  and  both  are  decidedly  superior  to  mine ;  yet  I 
used  to  be  thought  a  good  rifleman  too,  and  have  credit 
for  an  eye  no  less  keen  than  that  of  an  Indian ;  you  have 
the  advantage  of  me,  however  ;  for  I  honestly  admit  I 
never  could  have  picked  off  yon  fellow  in  the  dark  as  you 
have  done." 

As  the  dawn  increased,  the  dark  shadow  of  a  human 
form,  stretched  at  its  length  upon  the  ground,  became 
perceptible;  and  the  officers,  with  one  unanimous  voice, 
bore  loud  testimony  to  the  skill  and  dexterity  of  him  who 
had,  under  such  extreme  disadvantages,  accomplished 
the  death  of  their  skulking  enemy. 

"  Bravo,  Valletort,"  said  Charles  de  Haldimar,  recover- 
ing his  spirits,  as  much  from  the  idea,  now  occurring  to 
him,  that  this  might  indeed  be  the  stranger  whose  ap- 
pearance had  so  greatly  disturbed  his  father,  as  from  the 
gratification  he  felt  in  the  praises  bestowed  on  his  friend. 
"  Bravo,  my  dear  fellow !"  then  approaching,  and  in  a 
half  whisper,  "  when  next  I  write  to  Clara,  I  shall  request 
her,  with  my  cousin's  assistance,  to  prepare  a  chaplet  of 
bays,  wherewith  I  shall  myself  crown  you  as  their 
proxy.  But  what  is  the  matter  now,  Valletort?  Why 
stand  you  there  gazing  upon  the'common,  as  if  the  victim 
of  your  murderous  aim  was  rising  from  his  bloody  couch, 
to  reproach  you  with  his  death  ?  Tell  me,  shall  I  write 
to  Clara  for  the  prize,  or  will  you  receive  it  from  her  own 
hands  ?" 

"  Bid  her  ratlier  pour  her  curses  on  my  head ;  and  to 
those,  De  Haldimar,  add  your  own,"  exclaimed  Sir  Eve- 


■0: 


rar 
tioi 
the 
Wh 


pa! 


'    b 


WACOTJSTA. 


51 


;tly,  they 

Ivcrard," 
j's  subal- 
le;  yet  I 
ve  credit 
y^ou  have 
admit  I 
•k  as  you 

a,  human 
I,  became 
)us  voice, 
him  wlio 
implished 

',  recover. 

lurring  to 
liose  ap- 
from  the 

is  friend, 
d  in  a 
1  request 
aplet  of 
as  their 
?  Why 
,e  victim 
[y  couch, 
|1 1  write 
Iher  own 

and  to 
Sir  Eve- 


rard,  at  length  raising  himself  from  the  statue-like  posi- 
tion lie  had  assumed.  "  Almighty  God,"  he  pursued,  in 
the  same  tone  of  deep  agony,  "what  have  I  done? 
Where,  where  shall  I  hide  myself?" 

As  he  spoke  he  turned  away  from  his  companions,  and 
covering  his  eyes  with  his  hand,  with  quick  and  unequal 
steps,  even  like  those  of  a  drimken  man,  walked,  or  rather 
ran,  along  the  rampart,  as  if  fearful  of  being  overtaken. 
The  whole  group  of  officers,  and  Charles  de  Haldimar  in 
particuiai,  were  struck  with  dismay  at  the  language  and 
action  of  Sir  Everard;  and  for  a  moment  they  fancied  that 
fatigue,  and  watching,  and  excitement,  had  partially 
affected  his  brain.  But  when,  after  the  lapse  of  a  minute 
or  two,  they  again  looked  out  upon  the  common,  the  se- 
cret of  his  agitation  was  too  faithfully  and  too  painfully 
explained. 

What  had  at  first  the  dusky  and  dingy  hue  of  a  half- 
naked  Indian,  was  now  perceived,  by  the  bright  beams  of 
light  just  gathering  in  the  east,  to  be  the  gay  and  striking 
uniform  of  a  British  officer.  Doubt  as  to  who  that  officer 
was  there  could  be  none,  for  the  white  sword-belt  sus- 
pended over  the  right  shoulder,  and  thrown  into  strong 
relief  by  the  field  of  scarlet  on  which  it  reposed,  denoted 
the  wearer  of  this  distinguishing  badge  of  duty  to  be  one 
of  the  guard. 

If  they  could  regret  the  loss  of  such  a  companion  as 
Murphy,  how  deep  and  heartfelt  must  have  been  the  sor- 
row they  experienced  when  they  beheld  the  brave,  gene- 
rous, manly,  amiable,  and  highly-talented  Frederick  de 
Haldimar — the  pride  of  the  garrison,  and  the  idol  of  his 
family — lying  extended,  a  cold,  senseless  corpse,  slain  by 
the  hand  of  the  bosom  friend  of  his  brother ! — Notwith- 
standing the  stern  severity  and  distance  of  the  goyernor. 


-:$ 


I 


■f      '     ■ 


I    ,.srj 


■  Mil 


tl' 


■:r.   ; 


J'f 


M. 


I 


i 


52 


WACOUSTA. 


whom  few  circumstances,  however  critical  or  exciting-, 
could  surprise  into  relaxation  of  his  habitual  stateliness, 
it  would  have  been  difficult  to  name  two  young  men  more 
universally  liked  and  esteemed  by  their  brother  officers 
than  were  the  De  Haldimars — the  first  for  the  qualities 
already  named — the  second,  for  those  retiring,  mild,  win- 
ning manners,  and  gentle  affections,  added  to  extreme 
and  almost  feminine  beauty  of  countenance  for  which  he 
was  remarkable.  Alas,  what  a  gloomy  picture  was  now 
exhibited  to  the  minds  of  all !  Frederick  de  Haldimar  a 
corpse,  and  slain  by  the  hand  of  Sir  Everard  Valletort! 
What  but  disunion  could  follow  this  melancholy  catas- 
trophe ?  and  how  could  Charles  de  Haldimar,  even  if  his 
bland  nature  should  siurvive  the  shock,  ever  bear  to  look 
again  upon  the  man  who  had,  however  innocently  or 
unintentionally,  deprived  him  of  a  brother  whom  he 
adored  ? 

These  were  the  impressions  that  passed  through  the 
minds  of  the  compassionating  officers,  as  they  directed 
their  glance  alternately  from  the  common  to  the  pale  and 
marble-like  features  of  the  younger  De  Haldimar,  who, 
with  parted  lips  and  stupid  gaze,  continued  to  fix  his  eyes 
upon  the  inanimate  form  of  his  ill-fated  brother,  as  if  the 
very  faculty  of  life  itself  had  been  for  a  period  suspended. 
At  length,  however,  while  his  companions  watched  in 
silence  the  mining  workings  of  that  grief  which  they 
feared  to  interrupt  by  ill-timed  observations,  even  of  con- 
dolence, the  death-like  hue,  which  had  hitherto  suffused 
the  usually  blooming  cheek  of  the  young  officer,  was 
succeeded  by  a  flush  of  the  deepest  dye,  while  his  eyes, 
swollen  by  the  tide  of  blood  now  rushing  violently  to  his 
face,  appeared  to  be  bursting  from  their  sockets.  The 
shock  was  more  than  his  delicate  frame,  exhausted  as  it 


/ 

.>*i 

M 


>i 


ol 

rl 


WACOUSTA. 


53 


•  exciting-, 
stateliness, 
men  more 
ler  officers 
3  qualities 
mild,  win- 
0  extreme 
r  which  he 
3  was  now 
[aldimar  a 
Valletort! 
loly  catas- 
jven  if  his 
lar  to  look 
Dcently  or 
whom  he 

rough  the 
f  directed 
pale  and 
nar,  who, 
X.  his  eyes 
as  if  the 
ispended. 
itched  in 
ich  they 
n  of  con- 
suffused 
icer,  was 
lis  eyes, 
lyto  his 
s.     The 
ted  as  it 


was  by  watching  and  fatigue,  could  bear.  He  tottered, 
reeled,  pressed  his  hand  upon  his  head,  and  before  any 
one  could  render  him  assistance,  fell  senseless  on  the 
ramparts. 

During  the  interval  between  Sir  Everard  Valletort's 
exclamation,  and  the  fall  of  Charles  de  Haldimar,  the 
men  employed  at  the  grave  had  performed  their  duty, 
and  were  gazing  with  mingled  astonishment  and  concern, 
both  on  the  body  of  their  murdered  officer,  and  on  the 
dumb  scene  acting  around  them.    Two  of  these  were 
now  despatched  for  a  litter,  with  which  they  speedily  re- 
appeared.   On  this  Charles  de  Haldimar,  already  deli- 
rious  with  the  fever  of  intense  excitement,  was  carefully 
placed,  and,  follov/ed  by  Captain  Blessington  and  Lieute- 
nant Johnstone,  borne  to  his  apartment  in  the  small 
range  of  buildings  constituting  the  officers'   barracks. 
Captain  Erskine  undertook  the   disagreeable  office  of 
communicating  these  distressing  events  to  the  governor ; 
and  the  remainder  of  the  officers  once  more  hastened  to 
join  or  linger  near  their  respective  companies,  in  readi- 
ness for  the  order  which  it  was  expected  would  be  given 
to  despatch  a  numerous  party  of  the  garrison  to  secure 
the  body  of  Captain  de  Haldimar. 


I 


m 


5* 


m    !■■' 


•A  I 


'n. 


54 


WACOUSTA. 


■I       I 


CHAPTER  V. 


':r. 


li  I    ' 


The  sun  was  just  rising  above  the  horizon,  in  all  that 
peculiar  softness  of  splendour  which  characterises  the 
early  days  of  autumn  in  America,  as  Captain  Erskine 
led  his  company  across  the  drawbridge  that  communi- 
cated with  the  fort.  It  was  the  first  time  it  had  been 
lowered  since  the  investment  of  the  garrison  by  the 
Indians;  and  as  the  dull  and  rusty  chains  performed 
their  service  with  a  harsh  and  grating  sound,  it  seemed 
as  if  an  earnest  were  given  of  melancholy  boding. 
Although  the  distance  to  be  traversed  was  small,  the 
risk  the  party  incurred  was  great ;  for  it  was  probable 
the  savages,  ever  on  the  alert,  would  not  suffer  them  to 
effect  their  object  unmolested.  It  was  perhaps  singular, 
and  certainly  contradictory,  that  an  officer  of  the  ac- 
knowledged prudence  and  forethought  ascribed  to  the 
governor — qualities  wfiich  in  a  great  degree  neutralised 
his  excessive  severity  in  the  eyes  of  his  troops — should 
have  hazarded  the  chance  of  having  his  garrison  en- 
feebled by  the  destruction  of  a  part,  if  not  of  the  whole, 
of  the  company  appointed  to  this  dangerous  duty ;  but 
with  all  his  severity,  Colonel  de  Haldimar  was  not  witli- 
out  strong  affection  for  his  children.  The  feelings  of 
the  father,  therefore,  in  a  great  degree  triumphed  over 
the  prudence  of  the  commander:  and  to  shield  the 
corpse  of  his  son  from  the  indignities  which  he  well 


)|  and 


WACOUSTA. 


55 


in  all  that 

crises  the 

1  Erskine 

[^ommuni- 

;  had  been 

an  by  the 

performed 

it  seemed 

y  boding. 

small,  the 

probable 

r  them  to 

singular, 

f  the  ac- 

ed  to  the 

9utralised 

— should 

rison  cn- 

e  whole, 

uty;  but 

|not  witii- 

lings  of 

ed  over 

ield  the 

he  well 


knew  would  be  inflicted  on  it  by  Indian  barbarity,  he 
had  been  induced  to  accede  to  the  earnest  prayer  of 
Captain  Erskine,  that  he  might  be  permitted  to  lead  out 
his  company  for  the  purpose  of  securing  the  body. 
Every  means  were,  however,  taken  to  cover  the  advance, 
and  ensure  the  retreat  of  the  detachment.  The  re- 
mainder of  the  troops  were  distributed  along  the  rear 
of  the  ramparts,  with  instructions  to  lie  flat  on  their 
faces  until  summoned  by  their  ofiicers  from  that  posi- 
tion ;  which  was  to  be  done  only  in  the  event  of  close 
pursuit  from  the  savages.  Artillerymen  were  also  sta- 
tioned at  the  several  ^uns  that  flanked  the  rear  of  the 
fort,  and  necessarily  commanded  both  the  common  and 
th.  utdkirt  of  the  forest,  with  orders  to  fire  with  grape- 
si.  .  given  signal.  Captain  Erskine's  instructions 
wfc  :,  -moreover,  if  attacked,  to  retreat  back  under  the 
guns  of  the  fort  slowly  and  in  good  order,  and  without 
turning  his  back  upon  the  enemy. 

Thu9  confident  of  support,  the  party,  after  traversing 
the  drawbridge  with  fixed  bayonets,  inclined  to  the  right, 
and  following  the  winding  of  the  ditch  by  which  it  was 
surrounded,  made  thi  semi-circuit  of  the  rampart  until 
they  gained  the  in/nediate  centre  of  the  rear,  and  in  a 
direct  line  with  the  Viomb-proof.  Here  their  mode  of  ad- 
vance was  altered,  to  guard  more  eflectually  against 
the  enemy  with  whom  they  might  possibly  have  to  con- 
tend. The  front  and  rear  ranks  of  the  company,  con- 
sisting in  all  of  ninety  men,  were  so  placed  as  to  leave 
space  in  the  event  of  attack,  of  a  portion  of  each  wheel- 
ing inwards  so  as  to  present  in  an  instant  three  equal 
faces  of  a  square.  As  the  reai  was  suflSciently  covered 
by  tiio  cannon  of  the  fort  to  defeat  any  attempt  to  turn 
tlieir  flanks,  the  monccuvre  was  one  that  enabled  them 


■■m 


m 


.  .1  '  ■■  J. 


Niiv  ' ; 


5a 


WACOUSTA. 


•ft: 


A: 


I:i 


)i) 


il  ' 


vi 


to  present  a  fuller  front  in  whatever  other  quarter  they 
might  be  attacked ;  and  had  this  additional  advantage, 
that  in  the  advance  by  single  files  a  narrower  front  was 
given  to  the  aim  of  the  Indians,  who,  unless  they  fired 
in  an  oblique  direction,  could  only,  of  necessity,  bring 
down  two  men  (the  leading  files)  at  a  lime. 

In  this  order,  and  anxiously  overlooked  by  their  com- 
rades, whose  eyes  alone  peered  from  above  the  surface 
of  the  rampart  on  which  they  lay  prostrate,  the  detach- 
ment crossed  the  common ;  one  rank  headed  by  Captain 
Erskine,  the  other  by  Lieutenant  Johnstone.  They  had 
now  approached  within  a  few  yards  of  the  unfortunate 
victim,  when  Captain  Erskine  commanded  a  halt  of  his 
party;  and  two  files  were  detached  from  tlie  rear  of  each 
rank,  to  place  the  body  on  a  litter  with  which  they  had 
provided  themselves.  He  and  Johnstone  also  moved  in 
the  same  direction  in  advance  of  the  men,  prepared  to 
render  assistance  if  required.  The  corpse  lay  on  its 
face,  and  in  no  way  despoiled  of  any  of  its  glitterinjr 
habiliments ;  a  circumstance  that  too  well  confirmed  the 
fact  of  Do  Haldimar's  death  having  been  accomplished 
by  the  ball  from  Sir  Everard  Valletort's  rifle.  It  aji- 
peared,  however,  the  ill-fated  officer  had  struggled  mucli 
in  the  agonies  of  death ;  for  the  left  leg  was  drawn  up 
into  an  unnatural  state  of  contraction,  ^and  the  right 
hand,  closely  compressed,  grasped  a  quantity  of  grass 
and  soil,  which  had  evidently  been  torn  up  in  a  paroxysm 
of  suffering  and  despair. 

The  men  placed  the  litter  at  the  side  of  the  body, 
which  they  now  proceeded  to  raise.  As  they  were  in 
the  act  of  depositing  it  on  this  temporary  bier,  tlie 
plumed  hat  fell  from  the  head,  and  disclosed,  to  tl)o 
astonishment  of  all,  the  scalpless  crown   completely 


WACOUSTA. 


67 


larter  they 
advantage, 
r  front  was 
3  they  fired 
ssity,  bring 

their  com- 
thc  surface 
the  detach- 
by  Captain 
They  had 
unfortunate 
1  halt  of  his 
rear  of  each 
eh  they  had 
30  moved  in 
prepared  to 
lay  on  its 
glitterinjf 
infirmed  the 
complishcd 
fle.     It  ajv 
'gled  mucli 
drawn  up 
the  rifflit 
\y  ^^  grass 
paroxysm 

the  body, 
ley  were  in 
bier,  the 
[ed,  to  i\w 
Icomplotcly 


saturated  in  its  own  clotted  blood  and  oozing  brains. 
An  exclamation  of  horror  and  disgust  escaped  at  the 
%  same  moment  from  the  lips  of  the  two  officers,  and  the 
I  men  started  back  from  their  charge  as  if  a  basilisk  had 
suddenly  appeared  before  them.  Captain  Erskine  pur- 
sued : — 

"  What  the  devil  is  the  meaning  of  all  this,  John- 
stone ?"  "  What,  indeed !"  rejoined  his  lieutenant,  with 
a  shrug  of  his  shoulders,  that  was  intended  to  express  his 
inability  to  form  any  opinion  on  the  subject. 

"  Unless  it  should  prove,"  continued  Erskine,  "  as  I 
sincerely  trust  it  may,  that  poor  Valletort  is  not,  after 
all,  the  murderer  of  his  friend.  It  must  be  so.  De 
Haldimar  has  been  slain  by  the  same  Indian  who  killed 
;  Murphy.  Do  you  recollect  his  scalp  cry  ?  He  was  in 
the  act  of  despoiling  his  victim  of  this  trophy  of  success, 
when  Sir  Everard  fired.  Examine  the  body  well, 
Mitchell,  and  discover  where  the  wound  lies." 

The  old  soldier  to  whom  this  order  was  addressed 

now  prepared,  with  the  assistance  of  his  comrades,  to 

turn  the  body  upon  its  back,  when  suddenly  the  air  was 

'}.  rent  with  terrific  yells,  that  seemed  to  be  uttered  in  their 

'  very  ears,  and  in  the  next  instant  more  than  a  hundred 

'  durk   and  hideous  savages  sprang  simultaneously  to 

their  feet  within  the  bomb-proof,  while  every  tree  alongf 

the  skirt  of  the  forest  gave  back  the  towering  form  of  a 

warrior.    Each  of  these,  in  addition  to  his  rifle,  was 

armed  with  all  those  destructive  implements  of  warfare 

which  render  the  Indians  of  America  so  formidable  and 

so  terrible  an  enemy. 

"  Stand  to  your  arms,  men,"  shouted  Captain  Erskine, 

I  recovering  from  his  first  and  unavoidable,  though  but 

momentary,  surprise.    "First  and  fourth  sections,  on 


m 


.i-'i 


IE" 


'fl:; 


} 

1   !    ' 

r  ; 

1   . 

1  '  ;■■■ 

• 

1    ' 

•| 


1  r'  * 

1 

i      ■      .   ■ 

''■:'' 

1 

' 

f 

; 

!               1 

1 1  > 


68 


WACOtJSTA. 


your  right  and  left  backwards  wheel: — Quick,  men, 
within  the  square,  for  your  lives."  As  he  spoke,  he  and 
Lieutenant  Johnstone  sprang  hastily  back,  and  in  time 
to  obtain  admittance  within  the  troops,  who  had  rapidly 
executed  the  manoeuvre  commanded.  Not  so  with 
Mitchell  and  his  companions.  On  the  first  alarm  they 
had  quitted  the  body  of  the  mutilated  officer,  and  flown 
to  secure  their  arms,  but  even  while  in  the  act  of  stoop- 
ing to  take  them  up,  they  had  been  grappled  by  a  pow- 
erful and  vindictive  foe ;  and  the  first  thing  they  beheld 
on  regaining  their  upright  position,  was  a  dusky  Indian 
at  the  side,  and  a  gleaming  tomahawk  flashing  rapidly 
round  the  head  of  each. 

"  Fire  not,  on  your  lives,"  exclaimed  Captain  Erskine 
hastily,  as  he  saw  several  of  the  men  in  front  levelling, 
in  the  excitement  of  the  moment,  their  muskets  at  the 
threatening  savages.  "  Prepare  for  attack,"  he  pur- 
sued ;  and  in  the  next  instant  each  man  dropped  on  his 
right  knee,  and  a  barrier  of  bristling  bayonets  seemed 
to  rise  from  the  very  bowels  of  the  earth.  Attracted  by 
the  novelty  of  the  sight,  the  bold  and  daring  warriors, 
although  still  retaining  their  firm  grasp  of  the  unhappy 
soldiers,  were  for  a  moment  diverted  from  their  bloody 
purpose,  and  temporarily  suspended  the  quick  and  rota- 
tory motion  of  their  weapons.  Captain  Erskine  took 
advantage  of  this  pause  to  seize  the  halbert  of  one  of  his 
sergeants,  to  the  extreme  point  of  which  he  hastily  at- 
tached a  white  pocket  handkerchief,  that  was  loosely 
thrust  into  the  breast  of  his  uniform;  this  he  waved  on 
high  three  several  times,  and  then  relinquishing  the 
halbert,  dropped  also  on  his  knee  within  the  square. 

"  The  dog  of  a  Saganavv  asks  for  mercy,"  said  a  voice 
from  within  the  bomb-proof,  and  speaking  in  the  dialed 


o 
o 
h 
tl 
tl 
is 


m' 
i-^* 


»uick,  men, 
okc,  he  and 
and  in  time 
had  rapidly 
Dt  so  with 
alarm  they 
-,  and  flown 
ict  of  stoop- 
d  by  a  pow- 
they  beheld 
isky  Indian 
ling  rapidly 

ain  Erskine 

nt  levelling, 

skets  at  the 

:,"  he  pur- 

)pped  on  his 

cts  seemed 

ttracted  by 

g-  warriors, 

e  unhappy 

|heir  bloody 

k  and  rotu- 

skine  took 

if  one  of  his 

hastily  at- 

as  loosely 

waved  on 

lishing  the 

Iquarc. 

laid  a  voice 

tho  dialed 


WACOUSTA. 


59 


:m 


of  the  Otlawas.  "  His  pale  flag  bespeaks  the  quaiUng 
of  his  heart,  and  his  attitude  denotes  tho  timidity  of  the 
Jiind.  His  warriors  are  like  himself,  and  even  now  upon 
their  knees  they  call  upon  tlieir  Manitou  to  preserve 
tlieui  from  the  vengeance  of  the  red-skins.  Bui  mercy 
is  not  for  dogs  like  these.  Now  is  the  time  to  make 
our  tomahawks  warm  in  their  blood ;  and  every  head 
that  we  count  sJiall  be  a  scalp  upon  our  wa.  ^^oies." 

As  lie  ceased,  one  universal  and  portentous  yell  burst 
from  the  fiend-like  band  ;   and   again  the  weapons  of 
doath  were  fiercely  brandished  around  the  heads  of  the 
stupified  soldiers  who  had  fallen  into  their  power. 

"What  can  they  be  about?'''  anxiously  exclaimed 
Captain  Erskine,  in  the  midst  of  this  deafening  clamour, 
to  his  subaltern.  "  Quiet,  man ;  damn  you,  quiet,  or 
I'll  cut  you  down,"  he  pursued,  addressing  one  of  his 
soldiers,  whose  impatience  caused  him  to  bring  his 
nuiskct  half  up  to  the  shoulder.  And  again  he  turned 
his  head  in  the  direction  of  the  fort : — "  Thank  God, 
here  it  comes  at  lust, — I  feared  my  signal  had  not  been 
noticed." 

While  he  yet  spoke,  the  loud  roaring  of  a  cannon 
from  the  ramparts  was  heard,  and  a  shower  of  grape- 
shot  passed  over  the  heads  of  the  detachment,  and  was 
seen  tearing  up  the  earth  around  the  bomb-proofi  and 
scattering  fragments  of  stone  and  wood  into  the  air. 
The  men  simultaneously  and  unbidden  gave  three 
cheers. 

In  an  instant  the  scene  was  changed.  As  if  moved 
by  some  mechanical  impulse,  the  fierce  band  that  lined 
the  bomb-proof  sank  below  the  surface,  and  were  no 
longer  visible,  while  the  warriors  in  the  forest  again 
sought  shelter  behind  the  trees.    The  captured  soldiers 


■^^ife 


.1         I 

I  ill:  .'■ 

111.,' 


m 


fi  • 


I.  : 


ll. 


'Ml  "• 


',  • 


I! 


M 


't 


il  r  M 


"I 


\\ 


iU 


60 


WACOUSTA. 


were  also  liberated  without  injury,  so  sudden  and  start* 
ling  had  been  the  terror  produced  in  the  savages  by  the 
lightning  flash  that  announced  its  heavy  messengers  of 
destruction.  Discharge  after  discharge  succeeded  with- 
out intermission ;  but  the  guns  had  been  levelled  so 
high,  to  prevent  injury  to  their  own  men,  they  had  little 
other  effect  than  to  keep  the  Indians  from  the  attack. 
The  rush  of  bullets  through  the  close  forest,  and  the 
crashing  of  trees  and  branches  as  they  fell  with  start- 
ling force  upon  each  other,  were,  with  the  peals  of  ar- 
tillery, the  only  noises  now  to  be  heard ;  for  not  a  yell, 
not  a  word  was  uttered  by  the  Indians  after  the  first 
discharge ;  and  but  for  the  certainty  that  existed  in 
every  mind,  it  might  have  been  supposed  the  whole  of 
them  had  retired. 

"Now  is  your  time,"  cried  Captain  Erskine;  "bring 
in  the  litter  to  the  rear,  and  stoop  as  much  as  possible 
to  avoid  the  shot." 

The  poor  half-strangled  fellows,  however,  instead  of 
obeying  the  order  of  their  captain,  looked  round  in 
every  direction  for  the  enemy  by  whom  they  had  been 
so  rudely  handled,  and  who  had  glided  from  them  almost  as 
imperceptibly  and  swiftly  as  they  had  at  first  approached. 
It  seemed  as  if  they  apprehended  that  any  attempt  to 
remove  the  body  would  bo  visited  by  those  fierce  devils 
with  the  same  appalling  and  ferocious  threatenings. 

"Why  stand  ye  there,  yo  dolts,"  continued  their 
captain,  "looking  around  as  if  ye  were  bewitched? 
Bring  the  litter  in  to  the  rear.  Mitchell,  you  old  fool, 
are  you  grown  a  coward  in  your  age  ?  Are  you  not 
ashamed  to  set  such  an  example  to  your  comrades  ?" 

The  doubt  thus  implied  of  the  courage  of  his  men, 
who,  in  fact,  were  merely  stupificd  with  the  scone  they 


^  hi 
'  tl 

I  "1 
:|  ml 

V  gi 


WACOUSTA. 


61 


and  start* 
ges  by  the 
ssengers  of 
leded  with- 
levelled  so 
ly  had  little 
the  attack, 
st,  and  the 
with  start- 
peals  of  ar« 

not  a  yell, 
er  the  first 

existed  in 
he  whole  of 

ne;  "bring 
I  as  possible 

instead  of 

round  in 

[y  had  been 

|m  almost  as 

ipproached. 

jattempt  to 

ierce  devils 

mings. 

lued  their 

)e  witched? 

)a  old  fool, 

|e  you  not 

rades?" 

his  men, 
Leone  they 


had  gone  through,  had,  as  Captain  Erskine  expected, 
the  desired  effect.  They  now  bent  themselves  to  the 
litter,  on  which  they  had  previously  deposited  their 
muskets,  and  with  a  self-possession 'that  contrasted  sin- 
gularly with  their  recent  air  of  wild  astonishment,  bore 
it  to  the  rear  at  the  risk  of  being  cut  in  two  at  every 
moment  by  the  fire  from  the  fort.  One  fierce  yell,  in- 
stinctively proffered  by  several  of  the  lurking  band  in 
the  forest,  marked  their  disappointment  and  rage  at  the 
escape  of  their  victims ;  but  all  attempt  at  uncovering 
themselves,  so  as  to  be  enabled  to  fire,  was  prevented  by 
the  additional  showers  of  grape  which  that  yell  imme- 
diately brought  upon  them. 

The  position  in  which  Captain  Erskine  now  found 
himself  was  highly  critical.    Before  him,  and  on  either 
fiank,  was  a  multitude  of  savages,  who  only  awaited  the 
cessation  of  the  fire  from  the  fort  to  commence  their 
fierce  and  impetuous  attack.    That  that  fire  could  not 
long  be  sustained  was  evident,  since  ammunition  could 
,  ill  be  spared  for  the  present  inefiicient  purpose,  where 
I  supplies  of  all  kinds  were  so  difficult  to  be  obtained ; 
,.  and,  if  he  should  attempt  a  retreat,  the  upright  position 
>•  of  his  men  exposed  them  to  the  risk  of  being  swept  away 
^  by  the  ponderous  metal,  that  already  fanned  their  cheeks 
'i  with  the  air  it  so  rapidly  divided.    Suddenly,  however, 
the  fire  from  the  batteries  was  discontinued,  and  this  he 
knew  to  be  a  signal  for  himself.    He  gave  an  order  in 
a  low  voice,  and  the  detachment  quitted  their  recum- 
bent and  defensive  position,  still  remaining  formed  in 
square.    At  the  same  instant,  a  gUn  flashed  from  the 
fort ;  but  not  as  before  was  heard  the  rushing  sound  of 
[the  destructive  shot  crushing  the  trees  in  its  resistless 
[course.    The  Indians  took  courage  at  this  circum- 
VOL.  1. — 6 


F" 

"i  '•^'     " 

i  r 

If, 

'  ( 

f 
-    1 
'    1        ■ 

i 

a 

t 

* " 

1   .^     ■- 

';'• 

ip:: 


I   ■ 

i 


■    f 

i    ■        !    ' 


il. 


irHi 


62 


WACOUSTA. 


stance,  for  thoy  deemed  the    bullets   of  their  enemies 
were  expended ;  and  that  they  were  merely  discharging 
their  powder  to  keep  up  the   apprehension  originally 
produced.     Again  they  showed  themselves,  like  so  many 
demons,  from  behind  their  lurking  places ;  and  yells  and 
shouts  of  the  most  terrific  and  threatening  character 
once  more  rent  the  air,  and  echoed  through  the  woods. 
Their  cries  of  anticipated  triumph  were,  however,  but 
of  short -duration.     Presently,  a  hissing  noise  was  heard 
in  the  air ;  and  close  to  the  bomb-proof,  and  at  the  very 
skirt  of  the  forest,  tliey  beheld  a  huge  globe  of  iron  fall 
perpendicularly  to  the  earth,  to  the  outer  part  of  which 
was  attached  what  tlioy  supposed  to  be  a  reed,  that  spat 
forth  innumerable  sparks  of  fire,  without  however,  seem. 
ing  to  threaten  the  slightest  injury.    Attracted  by  the 
novel  sight,  a  dozen  warriors  sprang  to  the  spot,  and 
fastened  their  gaze  upon  it  with  all  the  childish  wonder 
and  curiosity  of  men  in  a  savage  state.    One,  more 
eager  and  restless  than  his  fellows,  stooped  over  it  to 
feel  with  his  hand  of  what  it  was  composed.     At  that 
moment  it  burst,  and  limbs,  and  head,  and  entrails,  were 
seen  flying  in  the  air,  with  the  fragments  of  the  shell, 
and  prostrate  and  struggling   forms  lay  writhing  on 
every  hand  in  the  last,  fierce  agonies  of  death. 

A  yell  of  despair  and  a  shout  of  triumph  burst  at  tlu 
same  moment  from  the  adverse  parties.  Taking  ad- 
vantage of  the  terror  produced,  by  this  catastrophe,  in 
the  savages,  Captain  Erskine  caused  the  men  bearing 
the  corpse  to  retreat,  with  all  possible  expedition,  under 
the  ramparts  of  the  fort.  He  waited  until  they  got 
nearly  half  way,  and  then  threw  forward  the  wheeling 
sections,  that  had  covered  this  movement,  once  more 
into  single  file,  in  which  order  he  commenced  his  re- 


l.l' 


WACOUSTA. 


63 


air  enemies 

discharging 

I  originally 

ke  so  many 

id  yells  and 

^  character 

the  woods, 

owever,  but 

B  was  heard 

at  the  very 

of  iron  fall 

irt  of  whicli 

3d,  that  spat 

vQver,  seem- 

Lcted  by  the 

10  spot,  and 

dish  wonder 

One,  more 

d  over  it  to 

At  that 

trails,  were 

if  the  shell, 

rithing  on 

)urst  at  tlu 
[Taking  ad- 
istrophe,  in 
len  bearing 
Ition,  under 
|l  they  got 
wheeling 
lonce  more 
led  his  re- 


l  treat.  Step  by  step,  and  almost  imperceptibly,  the  men 
paced  backwards,  ready,  at  a  moment's  notice,  to  re-form 
the  square.  Partly  recovered  from  the  terror  and  sur- 
'i  prise  produced  by  the  bursting  of  the  shell,  the  Indians 
'  were  quick  in  perceiving  this  movement:  filled  with 
rage  at  having  been  so  long  baulked  of  their  aim,  they 
threw  themselves  once  more  impetuously  from  their 
cover ;  and,  with  stimulating  yells,  at  length  opened 
their  fire.  Several  of  Captain  Erskine's  men  were 
wounded  by  this  discharge ;  when,  again,  and  furiously 
the  cannon  opened  from  the  fort.  It  was  then  that  the 
superiority  of  the  artillery  was  made  manifest.  Both 
right  and  left  of  the  retreating  files  the  ponderous  shot 
flow  heavily  past,  carrying  death  and  terror  to  the 
Indians ;  while  not  a  man  of  those  who  intervened  was 
scathed  or  touched  in  its  progress.  The  warriors  in  the 
forest  were  once  more  compelled  to  shelter  themselves 
behind  the  trees ;  but  in  the  bomb-proof,  where  they 
were  more  secure,  they  were  also  more  bold.  From  this 
a  galling  fire,  mingled  with  the  most  hideous  yells,  was 
now  kept  up ;  and  the  detachment,  in  their  slow  re- 
treat, suffered  considerably.  Several  men  had  been 
killed;  and,  about  twenty,  including  Lieutenant  John- 
stone, wounded,  when  again,  one  of  those  murderous 
globes  fell,  hissing  in  the  very  centre  of  the  bomb-proof. 
In  an  instant,  the  Indian  fire  was  discontinued ;  and 
their  dark  and  pliant  forms  were  seen  hurrying  with 
almost  incredible  rapidity  over  the  dilapidated  walls,  and 
flying  into  the  very  heart  of  the  forest,  so  that  when 
the  shell  exploded,  a  few  seconds  afterwards,  not  a  war- 
rior was  to  be  seen.  From  this  moment  the  attack  was 
M  not  renewed,  and  Captain  Erskino  made  good  his  retreat 
without  further  molestation. 


^m^ 


i^l.  '-■^. 


■''■•a 


1,  ']•- 
1^- ,   ' 


t. 


I  :;.i: 


.V.\      1       . 

§■ :  ■■■■ 

I  !     ■ 

I     ' 


iiiiilii 


(.  • 


fSJ 


■l  I 


'  '       h 


,       -I 


ii      "'        * 


H.   M 


*|J': 


64 


WACOUSTA. 


"  Well,  old  buffers !"  exclaimed  one  of  the  leading 
files,  as  the  detachment,  preceded  by  its  dead  and  wound- 
ed, now  moved  along  the  moat  in  the  direction  of  the 
draw-bridge,  "  how  did  you  like  the  grip  of  them  black 
savages  ? — I  say,  Mitchell,  old  Nick  will  scarcely  know 
the  face  of  you,  it's  so  much  altered  by  fright.  Did  you 
see,''  turning  to  the  man  in  his  rear,  "how  harum. 
scarum  he  looked,  when  the  captain  called  out  to  him  to 
come  off?" 

"  Hold  your  clapper,  you  spooney,  and  be  d d  to 

you !"  exclaimed  the  angry  veteran. — ^'*  Had  the  Ingian 
fastened  his  paw  upon  your  ugly  neck  as  he  did  upon 
mine,  all  the  pitiful  life  your  mother  ever  put  into  you 
would  have  been  spirited  away  from  very  fear ;  so  you 
needn't  brag." 

"  Sure,  and  if  any  of  ye  had  a  grain  of  spunk,  ye 
would  have  fired,  and  freed  a  fellow  from  the  clutch  of 
them  Ingin  thieves,"  muttered  another  of  the  men  at 
the  litter.  "All  the  time,  the  devil  had  me  by  the 
throat,  swinging  his  tommyhawk  about  my  head,  I  saw 
ye  dancing  up  and  down  in  the  heavens,  instead  of  be- 
ing on  your  marrow  bones  on  the  common." 

"And  didn't  I  want  to  do  it?"  rejoined  the  first 
speaker.  "  Ask  Tom  Winkler  here,  if  the  captain  didn't 
swear  he'd  cut  my  head  off  if  I  even  offered  so  much  as 
to  touch  the  trigger  of  my  musket." 

"  Faith,  and  lucky  he  did,"  replied  his  covering  man 
(for  the  ranks  had  again  joined),  "since  but  for  that, 
there  wouldn't  be  at  this  moment  so  much  as  a  hair  of 
the  scalp  of  one  of  you  left." 

"By  gracious,"  said  a  good-humoured,  quaint  looking 
Irishman,  who  had  been  fixing  his  eyes  on  the  litter 
during  this  colloquy ;  *^  it  sames  to  me,  my  boys,  that 


k 


•>% 


i. 


WACOUSTA. 


*u 


ye  havo  caught  the  wrong  cow  by  the  horns,  and  that 
all  your  pains  has  been  for  nothing  at  all,  at  all.  By  the 
pope,  ye  are  all  wrong ;  it's  like  bringing  salt  butter  to 
Cork,  or  coals  to  your  Newcastle,  as  ye  call  it.  Who 
the  divil  ever  heard  of  the  officer  wearing  ammunition 
shoes?" 

The  men  all  turned  their  gaze  on  that  part  of  tl'O 
vestment  of  the  corpse  to  which  their  ati  »3ntion  had  bee\i 
directed  by  this  remark,  when  it  was  at  once  perctivcd, 
although  it  had  hitherto  escaped  the  observi^tion  oven 
of  the  officers,  that,  not  only  the  sho';s  werr-  those 
usually  worn  by  the  soldiers,  and  termed  ammunition 
or  store  shoes,  but  also,  the  trowsers  ttere  of  the  dt'  • 
scription  of  coarse  grey,  peculiar  to  that  class, 

"By  the  piper  and  ye're  right,  Dick  Doh(ty,"  ex- 
claimed another  Irishman ;  "  sure,  and  it  isn't  the  officer 
at  all !  Just  look  at  the  great  black  fist  of  him  too,  and 
never  call  mo  Phil  Sheban,  if  it  over  was  made  for  the 
handling  of  an  officer's  spit." 

*'  What  a  set  of  hignoramuses  ye  must  be,"  grunted 
old  Mitchell,  "  not  to  see  that  the  captain's  hand  is  only 
covered  with  dirt ;  and  as  for  the  ammunition  shoes  and 
trowsers,  why  you  know  our  officer '  ^vear  any  thing 
since  we  have  been  cooped  up  in  this  iiore  fort." 

"  Yes,  by  the  holy  poker,  off  duty,  if  they  like  it," 
returned  Phil  Sheban;  "  but  it  isii't  even  the  colonel's 
own  born  son  that  dare  to  d(.  no  while  officer  of  the 
guard." 

At  this  point  of  their  conversation,  one  of  the  leading 
men  at  the  litter,  in  turning  to  look  at  its  subject, 
stumbled  over  the  root  of  a  stump  that  lay  in  his  way, 
and  fell  violently  forward.  The  sudden  action  destroyed 
the  equilibrium  of  the  corpse,  which  rolled  off  its  tom- 

6* 


t.i'Ul!. 


^' 


'  ■  mm 


;i«f       .       "I        t 
1/  '      ;•'.■,■ 


l  V:.i,l 


!■ 


it 


66 


WACOUSTA. 


porary  bier  upon  the  earth,  and  disclosed,  for  the  first 
time,  a  face  begrimed  with  masses  of  clotted  blood* 
which  had  streamed  forth  from  the  scalped  brain  during 
the  night. 

"  It's  the  divil  himself,"  said  Phil  Sheban,  making  the 
sign  of  the  cross,  half  in  jest,  half  in  earnest :  "  for  it 
isnU  the  captin  at  all,  and  who  but  the  divil  could  have 
managed  to  clap  on  his  rigimintals  ?" 

"  No,  it's  an  Ingian,"  remarked  Dick  Burford,  saga- 
ciously; "it's  an  Ingian  that  has  killed  the  captain,  and 
dressed  himself  in  his  clothes.  I  thought  ho  smelt 
strong,  when  I  helped  to  pick  him  up." 

"  What  a  set*of  prating  fools  ye  are,"  interrupted  the 
leading  sergeant ;  "  who  ever  saw  an  Ingian  with  light 
hair  ?  and  sure  this  hair  in  the  neck  is  that  of  a 
Christian." 

At  that  moment  Captain  Erskinc,  attracted  by  the 
sudden  halt  produced  by  the  falling  of  the  body,  carne 
quickly  up  to  the  front. 

"What  is  the  meaning  of  all  this,  Cassidy?"  he 
sternly  demanded  of  the  sergeant ;  *^  why  is  this  halt 
without  my  orders,  and  how  comes  the  body  here  ?" 

"Carter  stumblea  against  a  root,  sir,  and  the  body 
rolled  over  upon  the  ground." 

**  And  was  the  body  to  roll  back  again  ?"  angrily  re- 
joined his  captain.  '*  What  mean  ye,  fellows,  by  stand- 
ing there ;  quick,  replace  it  upon  the  litter,  and  mind 
this  does  not  occur  again." 

"  They  say,  sir,"  said  the  sergeant,  respectfully,  as 
the  men  proceeded  to  their  duty,  "  that  it  is  not  Captain 
de  Haldimar  afler  all,  but  an  Ingian." 

"  Not  Captain  de  Haldimar !  are  ye  all  mad  ?  and  have 
the  Indians,  in  reality,  turned  your  brains  with  fear?" 


.T 


WACOUSTA. 


67 


What,  however,  was  his  own  surprise,  and  that  of 
Lieutenant  Johnstone,  when,  on  a  closer  examination  of 
the  corpse,  which  the  men  had  now  placed  with  its  face 
apperraost,  they  discovered  the  bewiltiering  fact  that  it 
was  not,  indeed.  Captain  de  Haldimar  who  lay  before 
them,  but  a  stranger,  dressed  in  the  uniform  of  that  offi- 
cer. 

There  was  no  time  to  solve,  or  even  to  dwell  on  the 
singular  mystery ;  for  the  Indians,  though  now  retired, 
might  be  expected  to  rally  and  renew  the  attack.  Once 
more,  therefore,  the  detachment  moved  forward ;  the  offi- 
cers dropping  as  before  to  the  rear,  to  watch  any  move- 
ments of  the  enemy  should  he  re-appear.  Nothing,  how- 
ever, occurred  to  interrupt  their  march ;  and  in  a  few 
minutes  the  heavy  clanking  sound  of  the  chains  of  the 
drawbridge,  as  it  was  again  raised  by  its  strong  puUies, 
and  the  dull  creaking  sound  of  the  rusty  bolts  and  locks 
that  secured  the  ponderous  gate,  announced  the  detach- 
ment was  once  more  safely  within  the  fort. 

While  the  wounded  men  were  being  conveyed  to  the 
hospital,  a  group,  comprising  almost  all  the  officers  of  the 
garrison,  hastened  to  meet  Captain  Erskine  and  Lieu- 
tenant Johnstone.  Congratulations  on  the  escape  of  the 
one,  and  compliments,  rather  than  condolences,  on  the 
accident  of  the  other,  which  the  arm  en  hharpe  denoted 
to  be  slight,  were  hastily  and  warmly  proffered.  These 
felicitations  were  the  genuine  ebullitions  of  the  hearts  of 
men  who  really  felt  a  pride,  unmixed  with  jealousy,  in 
the  conduct  of  their  fellows ;  and  so  cool  and  excellent 
had  been  the  manner  in  which  Captain  Erskine  had  ac- 
complished his  object,  that  it  had  claimed  the  undivided 
admiration  of  all  who  hod  been  spectators  of  the  affiiir. 


5> 


& 


h 


.    Vf 


'.  1  y 


'.I    •' 


'1    , 

i' 


I'  < 


km 

■'     '' 

68 


WACOUSTA. 


and  had,  with  the  aid  of  their  telescopes,  been  enabled 
to  follow  the  minutest  movements  of  the  detachment. 

"  By  heaven  !"  he  at  length  replied,  his  chest  swelling 
with  gratified  pride  at  the  warm  and  generous  approval 
of  his  companions ;  "this  more  than  repays  me  for  every 
risk.  Yet,  to  be  sincere,  the  credit  is  not  mine,  but 
Wentworth's.  But  for  you,  my  dear  follow,"  grasping 
and  shaking  the  hand  of-  that  officer,  "  we  should  have 
rendered  but  a  Flemish  account  of  ourselves.  How 
beautifully  those  guns  covered  pur  retreat !  and  the  first 
mortar  that  sent  the  howling  devils  flying  in  air  like  so 
many  Will-o'thc-wisps,  who  placed  that,  Wentworth  ?" 

"  I  did,"  replied  the  officer,  witli  a  quickness  that  de- 
noted  a  natural  feeling  of  exultation;  "but  Bombardier 
Kitson^s  was  the  most  effective.  It  was  his  shell  that 
drove  the  Indians  finally  out  of  the  bomb-proof,  and  left 
the  coast  clear  for  your  retreat." 

"Then  Kitson,  and  his  gunners  also,  merit  our  best 
thanks,"  pursued  Captain  Erskine,  whose  spirits,  now 
that  his  detachment  was  in  safety,  were  more  than 
usually  exhilarated  by  the  exciting  events  of  the  last 
hour ;  "  and  what  will  be  more  acceptable,  perhaps,  they 
shall  each  have  a  glass  of  my  best  old  Jamaica  before 
Ihey  sleep, — and  such  stuff  is  not  to  be  met  with  every 
day  in  this  wilderness  of  a  country.  But,  confound  iny 
stupiu  head !  where  are  Charles  de  Haldimar  and  Sir 
Everard  Valletort?" 

"  Poor  Charles  is  in  a  high  fever,  and  confined  to  his 
bed,"  remarked  Captain  Blessington,  who  now  came  up 
adding  his  congratulations  in  a  low  tone,  that  marked  th(! 
despondency  of  his  heart ;  "  and  Sir  Eve  raid  I  have  jiict 
lefl  on  tlie  rampart  with  the  company,  looking,  as  he  well 
may,  the  very  image  of  <lespair." 


"Ri 

hastily! 

near  h 

Say  it 

they  n( 

score. 

howeve 

assigne 

the  sin| 

"Not 

Captain 

m  his  1 

rampart 

with  us 

"Whc 

other;  " 

know,  is 

you  obse 

you  shall 

geant  Caj 

came  to 

"  where  I; 

"UntJei 

the  scrgei 

when  a  g^ 

ious  to  sal 

not  indeed 

direction  u 

at  the  side 

A  blank 

tlio  loathsi 

masses  of 

■iJid  streak 


WACOUSTA. 


69 


"  Run  to  Ihcm,  Sumner s,  my  dear  boy,"  said  Erskine, 
hastil}'^  addressing  himself  to  a  young  ensign  who  stood 
near  him ;  "  run  quickly,  and  relieve  them  of  their  error. 
Say  it  is  not  De  Haldimar  who  has  been  killed,  therefore 
they  need  not  make  themselves  any  longer  uneasy  on  that 
score."  The  officers  gave  a  start  of  surprise.  Sumners, 
however,  hastened  to  acquit  himself  of  the  pleasing  task 
assigned  him,  without  waiting  to  hear  the  explanation  of 
the  singular  declaration. 

"  Not  De  Haldimar !"  eagerly  and  anxiously  exclaimed 
Captain  Blessington ;  "  who  then  have  you  brought  to  us 
in  his  uniform,  which  I  clearly  distinguished  from  the 
rampart  as  you  passed  ?  Surely  you  would  not  tamper 
with  us  at  such  a  moment,  Erskine  ?" 

"  Who  it  is,  I  know  no  more  than  Adam,"  rejoined  the 
other ;  "  unless,  indeed,  it  be  the  devil  himself.  All  I  do 
know,  is,  it  is  not  our  friend  De  Haldimar ;  although,  as 
you  observe,  he  most  certainly  wears  his  uniform.  But 
you  shall  see  and  judge  for  yourselves,  gentlemen.  Ser- 
geant Cassidy,"  he  enquired  of  that  individual,  who  now 
came  to  ask  if  the  detachment  was  to  K  dismissed, 
"  where  have  you  placed  the  litter  ?" 

"  Under  the  piazza  of  the  guard-room,  sir,"  answered 
the  sergeant  These  words  had  scarcely  been  uttered, 
when  a  general  and  hasty  movement  of  the  officers,  anx- 
ious to  satisfy  themselves  by  personal  observation  it  was 
not  indeed  De  Haldimar  who  had  fallen,  took  place  in  the 
direction  alluded  to,  and  in  the  next  moment  they  v  :tm 
at  the  side  of  the  litter. 

A  blanket  had  been  thrown  upon  the  corpse  to  conceal 
the  loathsome  disfigurement  of  the  face,  over  which 
masses  of  thick  coagulated  blood  were  laid  in  patches 
and  streaks,  that  set  all  recognition  at  defiance.     The 


V   '■  ''y 


■* 

-■  ^  *'\ 

■.  ^ 

lM 

>' 

-     ijrg: 

[ 

t  \ 

Mi 

r^ 

m 

1 

M 

^ 

^ 

?;. 

^■■r 
■M 

vi  ■■'  •i'.','''!l'i'^'T 


m. 

w 


Hi      ' 


..  I 


'■I 


1         •       -  ,.' 

i'ii      M 

70 


AVACOrSTA. 


formation  of  the  liead  alone,  which  was  round  and  short, 
denoted  it  to  be  not  Do  Haldimar's.  Not  a  feature  was 
left  undefiled ;  and  even  the  eyes  were  so  covered,  it  was 
impossible  to  say  whether  their  lids  were  closed  or  open. 
More  than  one  officer's  cheek  paled  with  the  sickness  that 
rose  to  his  heart  as  he  gazed  on  the  hideous  spectacle ; 
yet,  as  the  curiosity  of  all  was  strongly  excited  to  know 
who  the  murdered  man  really  was  who  had  been  so  un- 
accountably  inducted  in  the  uniform  of  their  lost  com- 
panion, they  were  resolved  to  satisfy  themselves  without 
further  delay.  A  basin  of  warm  water  and  a  sponge  were 
procured  from  the  guard-room  of  Ensign  Fortescue,  who 
now  joined  them,  and  with  these  Captain  Blessington 
proceeded  to  remove  the  disguise. 

In  the  course  of  this  lavation,  it  was  discovered  the 
extraordinary  flow  of  blood  and  brains  had  been  pro- 
duced by  the  infliction  of  a  deep  wound  on  the  back  of 
the  head,  by  the  sharp  and  ponderous  tomahawk  of  an 
Indian.     It  was  the  only  blow  that  had  been  given ;  and 
the  circumstance  of  the  deceased  having  been  found  ly- 
ing on  his  face,  accounted  for  the  quantity  of  gore,  that, 
trickling  downwards,  had  so  completely  disguised  every 
feature.     As  the  coat  of  tliick  encrusted  matter  gave  way 
beneath  the  frequent  application  of  the  moistening  spong^c, 
the  pallid  hue  of  the  countenance  denoted  the  murderod 
•nan  to  be  a  white.     All  doubt,  however,  was  soon  at  an 
end.     The  ammunition  sjiocs,  the  grey   trowsers,  tlif 
coarse  linen,  and  the  stiff  leathern  stock  encircling  tlio 
neck,  attested  the  sufferer  to  be  a  soldier  of  the  garrison ; 
but  it  was  not  until  the  face  had  been  completely  denud- 
ed of  its  unsightly  covering,  and  every  feature  fully  ex- 
|K»scd,  that  that  soldier  was  nt  length  recognised  to  be 


Ilarr 
tain  ( 


and  short, 
ature  was 
cd,  it  was 
i  or  open, 
kness  tliat 
spectacle ; 
1  to  know 
len  so  un- 
iost  com- 
is  without 
mge  were 
3CUC,  wlio 
essington 


WACOUSTA. 


71 


Harry  Douellan,  the  trusty  and  attaclied  servant  of  Cap- 
tain  tie  Haldimar. 

Wiiile  yet  tlie  officers  stood  apart,  gazing  at  the  corpse, 
and  forming  a  variety  of  conjectures,  as  vague  as  tJiey 
were  unsatisfactory,  in  regard  to  tlieir  new  mystery.  Sir 
Everard  Valletort,  pale  and  breathless  with  the  speed  he 
liad  used,  suddenly  appeared  among  them. 

"  God  of  heaven !  can  it  be  true — and  is  it  really  not 
JJe  Haldimar  whom  I  have  shot  ?"  wildly  asked  the  agi- 
tated young  man.  "  Who  is  this,  Erskinc  ?"  he  conti- 
jiued,  glancing  at  the  litter.  "  Explain,  for  pity's  sake, 
and  quickly." 

"  Compose  yourself,  my  dear  Valletort,"  replied  tlie 
officer  addressed.  "  You  see  this  is  not  De  Haldimar, 
but  his  servant  Donellan.  Neither  has  the  latter  met  his 
death  from  your  rifle ;  there  is  no  mark  of  a  bullet  about 
iiitn.  It  was  an  Indian  tomahawk  that  did  his  business ; 
and  I  will  stake  my  head  against  a  liickory  nut  the  blow 
came  from  the  same  rascal  at  whom  you  fired,  and  who 
gave  back  the  shot  and  the  scalp  halloo." 

This  opinion  was  unanimously  expressed  by  the  re- 
mainder of  the  officers.  Sir  Everard  was  almost  as  mucli 
overpowered  by  his  joy,  as  he  had  previously  been  over- 
whelmed  by  his  despair,  and  ho  grasped  and  shook  tlic 
hand  of  Captain  Erskinc,  who  had  thus  been  the  means 
of  relieving  his  conscience,  with  an  energy  of  gratitude 
and  feeling  that  uJmost  drew  tears  from  the  eyes  of  that 
blunt  but  gallant  officer. 

"Thank  God  I  thank  God  !"  he  fervently  exclaimed: 
*'  1  have  not  then  even  the  death  of  poor  Donellan  to  an- 
t<wcr  for;"  and  hastening  from  the  guard-room,  he  pur- 
sued his  course  hurriedly  and  delightedly  to  the  barrack- 
room  of  his  friend. 


I 


M.     ' 

W     . 
i' 


'!>'   ■   tJi*'!>', 


"HI 


4-t 


v)' 


'  ''  i, ''  ^ '.' '  ■'■  ■■■' 


72 


WACOUSTA. 


CHAPTER  VI. 


If     1  ■     :  't'.m  ■  <  ■* 


■1     ■    '   1 
:   !  1 

I:       ,      ;l  ■ 

,      1  ll ' 


;  1       "I 


!■,  )g 


The  hour  fixed  for  th«^  trial  of  the  prisoner  Halloway  haa; 
now  arrived,  and  the  officers  composing  the  court  were  all 
met  in  the  mess-room  of  the  garrison,  surrounding  a  long 
table  covered  with  green  cloth,  over  which  were  distribut- 
ed p-iis,  ink,  and  paper  for  taking  minutes  of  the  evi- 
dence, and  such  notes  of  the  proceedings  as  the  seve- 
ral members  might  deem  necessary  in  the  course  of 
the  trial.  Captain  Blessington  presided  ;  and  next  him, 
on  either  hand,  were  the  first  in  seniority,  the  two  junior 
occupying  the  lowest  places.  The  demeanour  of  the 
several  officers,  serious  and  befitting  the  duty  they  were 
met  to  perform,  was  rendered  more  especially  solemn 
fi-om  the  presence  of  the  governor,  who  sat  a  little  to  the 
right  of  the  president,  and  without  the  circle,  remained 
covered,  and  with  his  arms  folded  across  his  chest.  At 
a  signal  given  by  the  president  to  the  orderly  in  waiting, 
that  individual  disappeared  from  the  room,  and  s©on  after, 
wards  Frank  Halloway,  strongly  ironed,  as  on  the  pre- 
ceding  night,  was  ushered  in  by  several  files  of  the  guard, 
under  Ensign  Fortescue  himself. 

The  prisoner  having  been  stationed  a  few  paces  on  the 
left  of  the  president,  that  officer  stood  up  to  administer 
the  customary  oatli.  His  example  was  followed  by  tiic 
rest  of  the  court,  who  now  rose,  and  extending  each  his 
right  hand  upon  the  prayer  book,  repeated,  after  the  pre- 


I     1*1 


^^il^ 


WACOUSTA. 


73 


sident,  the  form  of  words  prescribed  by  military  law. 
They  then,  af*er  successively  touching  the  sacred  volume 
with  their  lips,  once  more  resumed  their  seats  at  the  table. 
The  prosecutor  was  the  Adjutant  Lawson,  who  now 
handed  over  to  the  president  a  paper,  from  which  the 
latter  officer  read,  in  a  clear  and  distinct  voice,  the  fol- 
lowing charges,  viz. — 

"  1st.  For  having  on  the  night  of  the  — th  Septem- 
ber 1763,  while  on  duty  at  the  gate  of  the  Fortress  of 
Detroit,  either  admitted  a  stranger  into  the  garrison 
himself,  or  suffered  him  to  obtain  admission,  without 
giving  the  alarm,  or  using  the  means  necessary  to  en- 
sure his  apprehension,  such  conduct  being  treasonable, 
and  in  breach  of  the  articles  of  war. 

"  2d.  For  having  been  accessary  to  the  abduction  of 
Captain  Frederick  de  Haldimar  and  private  Harry  Do- 
nellan,  the  disappearance  of  whom  from  the  garrison 
can  only  be  attributed  to  a  secret  understanding  exist- 
ing between  the  prisoner  and  the  enemy  without  the 
walls,  such  conduct  being  treasonable,  and  in  breach  of 
the  articles  of  war." 

"Private  Frank  Halloway,"  continued  Captain  Bles- 
sington,  after  having  perused  these  two  short  but  import- 
ant charges,  "  you  have  heard  what  has  been  preferred 
against  you ;  what  say  you,  therefore  ?  Are  you  guilty, 
or  not  guilty  ?" 

"Not  guilty,"  firmly  and  somewhat  exultingly  replied 
the  prisoner,  laying  his  hand  at  the  same  time  on  his 
swelling  heart. 

"  Stay,  sir,"  sternly  observed  the  governor,  addressing 
the  president ;  "  you  have  not  read  all  the  charges." 

Captain  Blessing  ton  took  up  tlie  paper  from  the  table, 
on  which  ho  had  carelessly  thrown  it,  after  reading  the 

VOL.  I. — 7 


:^,'J«v, 


V!. 


vr 


JMvfT 


"•■'II .!.' 


I  • 


1 1 


W-''^i 


U    :''      ■  1        'I, 


;   i 


!'  'I 


74 


WACOUSTA. 


accusations  above  detailed,  and  perceived,  for  the  first 
time,  that  a  portion  had  been  doubled  back.  His  eye 
now  glanced  over  a  third  charge,  which  had  previously 
escaped  his  attention. 

"  Prisoner,"  he  pursued,  after  the  lapse  of  a  minute, 
"  there  is  a  third  charge  against  you,  viz.  for  having,  on 
the  night  of  the  — th  Sept.  1763,  suffered  Captain  de 
Haldimar  to  unclose  the  gate  of  the  fortress,  and,  accom- 
.  panied  by  his  servant,  private  Harry  Donellan,  to  pass 
your  post  without  the  sanction  of  the  governor,  such 
conduct  being  in  direct  violation  of  a  standing  order  of 
the  garrison,  and  punishable  with  death." 

The  prisoner  started.  "  What  I"  he  exclaimed,  his 
cheek  paling  for  the  first  time  with  momentary  appre- 
hension ;  "  is  this  voluntary  confession  of  my  own  to 
be  turned  into  a  charge  that  threatens  my  life  ?  Colonel 
de  Haldimar,  is  the  explanation  which  I  gave  you  only 
this  very  hour,  and  in  private,  to  be  made  the  public  in- 
strument of  my  condemnation  ?  Am  I  to  die  because  I 
had  not  firmness  to  resist  the  prayer  of  my  captain  and 
of  your  son.  Colonel  de  Haldimar  ?" 

The  president  looked  towards  the  governor,  but  a  sig- 
nificant motion  of  the  head  was  the  only  reply;  he  pro- 
ceeded,— 

"  Prisoner  Halloway,  what  plead  you  to  this  charge '' 
Guilty,  or  not  guilty  ?" 

"  I  see  plainly,"  said  Halloway,  after  the  pause  of  a 
minute,  during  which  he  appeared  to  be  summoning  all 
his  energies  to  his  aid  ;  "  I  see  plainly  that  it  is  useless 
to  strive  against  my  fate.  Captain  de  Haldimar  is  not 
here,  and  I  must  die.  Still  I  shall  not  have  the  disgrace 
of  dying  as  a  traitor,  though  I  own  I  have  viokted  the 
orders  of  the  garrison."  \ 


WACOUSTA. 


76 


"  Prisoner,"  interrupted  Captain  Blessington,  '*  what- 
ever you  may  have  to  urge,  you  had  better  reserve  for 
your  defence.  Meanwhile,  what  answer  do  you  make 
to  the  last  charge  preferred  ? — Are  you  guilty,  or  not 
guilty  ?" 

"Guilty,"  said  Halloway,  in  a  tone  of  mingled  pride 
and  sorrow,  "guilty  of  having  listened  to  the  earnest 
prayer  of  my  captain,  and  suffered  him,  in  violation  of 
ray  orders,  to  pass  ray  post.  Of  the  other  charges  I  am 
innocent." 

The  court  listened  with  the  most  profound  attention 
and  interest  to  the  words  of  the  prisoner,  and  they 
glanced  at  each  other  in  a  manner  that  marked  their 
sense  of  the  truth  they  attached  to  his  declaration. 

"Halloway,  prisoner,"  resumed  Captain  Blessingtom 
mildly,  yet  impressively ;  "  recollect  the  severe  penalty 
which  the  third  charge,  no  less  than  the  others,  entails, 
and  recall  your  admission.  Be  advised  by  me,"  he  pur- 
sued, observing  his  hesitation.  "  Withdraw  your  plea, 
then,  and  substitute  that  of  not  guilty  to  the  whole." 

"  Captain  Blessington,"  returned  the  prisoner  with 
deep  emotion,  "I  feel  all  the  kindness  of  your  motive  ; 
and  if  any  thing  can  console  me  in  my  present  situation, 
it  is  the  circumstance  of  having  presiding  at  my  trial 
an  officer  so  universally  beloved  by  the  f^^hole  corps. 
Still,"  and  again  his  voice  acquired  its  wonted  firmness, 
and  his  cheek  glowed  with  honest  pride,  "still,  I  say,  I 
scorn  to  retract  my  words.  Of  the  two  first  charges  I 
am  as  innocent  as  the  babe  unborn.  To  the  last  I  plead 
guilty  ;  and  vain  would  it  bo  to  say  otherwise,  since  the 
gate  was  found  open  while  I  was  on  duty,  and  I  know 
the  penalty  attached  te  the  disobedience  of  orders." 

After  some  further  but  ineffectual  remonstrances  on 


'i  .,'•  s  .i'Ksi 


'W.'l 


<■'  ■     ,\^% 

".1     .•■     .       .'■'■■■-        *■(« 

■■'".■:  ^'^M 

■"'■'■•fm^ 


1 

1   •    ' 

T'i  ■  ■ 

li,  ' '  ■ 

M' 

'  1 :; 

;:  '■ 


'  I   1 


(I 


).;' 


I 


ti  '■ 


76 


WACOUSTA. 


the  part  of  the  president,  the  picas  of  the  prisoner  were 
recorded,  and  the  examination  commenced.  Governor 
de  Haldimar  was  the  first  witness. 

That  officer,  having  been  sworn,  stated,  that  on  the 
preceding  night  he  had  been  intruded  upon  in  his  apart- 
ment  by  a  stranger,  who  could  have  obtained  admission 
only  through  the  gate  of  the  fortress,  by  which  also  he 
must  have  made  good  his  escape.  That  it  was  evident 
the  prisoner  had  been  in  correspondence  with  their  ene- 
mies ;  since,  on  proceeding  to  examine  the  gate  it  had 
been  found  unlocked,  while  the  confusion  manifested  b_y 
him  on  being  accused,  satisfied  all  who  were  present  of 
the  enormity  of  his  guilt.  Search  had  been  made  every 
where  for  the  keys,  but  without  success. 

The  second  charge  was  supported  by  presumptive 
evidence  alone  ;  for  although  the  governor  swore  to  the 
disappearance  of  his  son,  and  the  murder  of  his  servant, 
and  dwelt  emphatically  on  the  fact  of  their  having  been 
forcibly  carried  off  with  the  connivance  of  the  prisoner, 
still  there  was  no  other  proof  of  this,  than  the  deduc- 
tions drawn  from  the  circumstances  already  detailed. 
To  meet  this  difficulty,  however,  the  third  charge  had 
been  framed. 

In  proof  of  this  the  governor  stated,  "  that  the  prison- 
er, on  bein^  interrogated  by  him  immediately  subsequent 
to  his  being  relieved  from  his  post,  had  evinced  such 
confusion  and  hesitation,  as  to  leave  no  doubt  whatever 
of  his  guilt;  that,  influenced  by  the  half  promise  of 
communication,  which  the  court  had  heard  as  well  as 
himself,  he  had  suffered  the  trial  of  the  prisoner  to  be 
delayed  until  the  present  hour,  strongly  hoping  he  might 
then  be  induced  to  reveal  the  share  he  had  borne  in  these 
unworthy  and  treasonable  practices;  that,  with  a  view 


to  0 

gari 
cd  t 
oft 
tor's 
garde 


■'<). 


WACOUSTA. 


77 


to  obtain  tins  disclosure,  so  essential  to  the  safety  of  the 
g-arrison,  ho  Jiad,  conjointly  with  Major  Blackwater,  visit- 
ed the  cell   of  the  prisoner,  to  whom  he  related  the  fact 
of  the  murder  of  Donnellan,  in  the  disguise  of  his  mas- 
ter's uniform,  conjuring  him,  at  the  same  time,  if  he  re- 
garded his  own  life,  and  the  safety  of  those  who  were 
most  dear  to  him,  to  give  a  clue  to  the  solution  of  this 
mysterious  circumstance,  and  disclose  the  nature  and 
extent  of  his  connection  with  the  enemy  without ;  that 
the  prisoner  however  resolutely  denied,  as  before,  the 
guilt  imputed  to  him,  but  having  had  time  to  concoct  a 
plausible  story,  stated,  (doubtless  with  a  view  to  shield 
himself  from  the  severe  punishment  he  well  knew  to  be 
attached  to  his  offence,)  that  Captain  de  Haldimar  him- 
self had  removed  the  keys  from  the  guard-room,  opened 
the  gate  of  the  fortress,  and  accompanied  by  his  servant, 
dressed  in  a  coloured  coat,  had  sallied  forth  upon  the 
common.    And  this,  emphatically  pursued  the  governor, 
the  prisoner  admits  he  permitted,  although  well  aware 
that,  by  an  order  of  long  standing  for  the  security  of 
the  garrison,  such  a  flagrant  dereliction  of  his  duty 
subjected  him  to  the  punishment  of  death. 

Major  Blackwater  was  the  next  witness  examined. 
His  testimony  went  to  prove  the  fact  of  the  gate  hav- 
ing been  found  open,  and  the  confusion  manifested  by 
the  prisoner.  It  also  substantiated  that  part  of  the  go- 
vernor's evidence  on  the  third  charge,  which  related  to 
the  confession  recently  made  by  Halloway,  on  which 
that  charge  had  been  framed. 

The  sergeant  of  the  guard,  and  the  governor's  orderly 
having  severally  corroborated  the  first  portions  of  Major 
Blackwater's  evidence,  the  examination  on  the  part  of 

the  prosecution  terminated ;  when  the  president  called 

7* 


'tf^'i 


■?■■    '     •  ■  .',  TA 


v;' 


"'■■■.   ■  'tM 


I 


< .  t ; 


■m^ 


iM 


".'t'-p^' 


■4i 


^..v^-3% 


'■■■  ■     ■■  '-"iVi^^Hp^ 


■    ■  •   ■  I  '   ■  '  ■ 


78 


WACOUSTA. 


on  the  prisoner  Halloway  for  his  defence.  The  latter, 
in  a  clear,  Rrm,  and  collected  tone,  and  in  terms  that 
surprised  his  auditory,  thus  addressed  the  Court : — 

"  Mr.  President,  and  gentlemen, — Although  standing 
before  you  in  the  capacity  of  a  private  soldier,  and,  oh ! 
bitter  and  humiliating  reflection,  in  that  most  wretched 
and  disgraceful  of  all  situations,  a  suspected  traitor,  I 
am  not  indeed  what  T  seem  to  be.    It  is  not  for  me  here 
to  enter  into  the  history  of  my  past  life  ;  neither  will  I 
tarnish  the  hitherto  unsullied  reputation  of  my  family 
by  disclosing  my  true  name.  Suffice  it  to  observe,  I  am  a 
gentleman  by  birth ;  and  although,  of  late  years,  I  have 
known  all  the  hardships  and  privations  attendant  on  my 
fallen  fortunes,  I  was  once  used  to  bask  in  the  luxuries 
of  afHuence,  and  to  look  upon  those  who  now  presid3  in 
judgment  over  me  as  my  equals.    A  marriage  of  affec- 
tion,— a  marriage  with  one  who  had  nothing  but  her 
own  virtues  and  her  own  beauty  to  recommend  her, 
drew  upon  me  the  displeasure  of  my  family,  andj  the 
little  I  possessed,  independently  of  the  pleasure  of  my 
relations,  was  soon  dissipated.    My  proud  soul  scorned 
all  thought  of  supplication  to  those  who  had  originally 
spurned  my  wife  from  their  presence ;  and  yet  my  heart 
bled  for  the  privations  of  her  who,  alike  respectable  in 
family,  was,  both  from  sex  and  the  natural  delicacy  of 
her  frame,  so  far  less  constituted  to  bear  up  against  the 
frowns  of  adversity  than  myself.     Our  extremity  had 
now  become  great, — too  great  for  human  endurance ; 
when,  through  the  medium  of  the  public  prints,  I  be- 
came acquainted  with  the  glorious  action  that  had  been 
fought  in  this  country  by  the  army  under  General  Wolfe. 
A  new  light  burst  suddenly  upon  my  mind,  and  visions 
of  after  prosperity  constantly  presented  themselves  to 


^ 


■1       '   J-  ~ 


i 


WACOUSTA. 


79 


my  view.  The  field  of  honour  was  open  before  me,  and 
there  was  a  probability  I  might,  by  good  conduct,  so  far 
merit  the  approbation  of  my  superiors,  as  to  obtain,  in 
course  of  time,  that  rank  among  themselves  to  which 
by  birth  and  education  I  was  so  justly  entitled  to  aspire. 
Without  waiting  to  consult  my  Ellen,  whose  opposition 
I  feared  to  encounter  until  opposition  would  be  fruitless, 
I  hastened  to  Lieutenant  Walgrave,  the  recruiting  offi- 
cer of  the  regiment, — tendered  my  services, — was  ac- 
cepted and  approved, — received  the  bounty  money, — and 
became  definitely  a  soldier,  under  the  assumed  name  of 
Frank  Hallow  ay. 

"  It  would  be  tedious  and  impertinent,  gentlemen," 

resumed  the  prisoner,  after  a  &hort  pause,  "  to  dwell  on 

the  humiliations  of  spirit  to  which  both  ray  wife  and 

myself  were  subjected  at  our  first  introduction  to  our 

new  associates,  who,  although  invariably  kind  to  us, 

were  nevertheless,  ill  suited,  both  by  education  and  habit, 

to  awaken  any  thing  like  congeniality  of  feeling  or 

similarity  of  pursuit.    Still  we  endeavoured,  as  much  as 

possible,  to  lessen  the  distance  that  existed  between  us  ; 

and  from  the  first  moment  of  our  joining  the  regiment, 

determined  to  adopt  the  phraseology  and  manners  of 

those  with  whom  an  adverse  destiny  had  so  singularly 

connected  us.    In  this  we  succeeded ;  for  no  one,  up  to 

the  present  moment,  has  imagined  either  my  wife  or 

myself  to  be  other  than  the  simple  unpretending  Frank 

and  Ellen  Halloway. 

"On  joining  the  regiment  in  this  country,"  pursued 
the  prisoner,  after  another  pause,  marked  by  much  emo- 
tidn,  *^I  had  the  good  fortune  to  be  appointed  to  the 
grenadier  company.  Gentlemen,  you  all  know  the  amia- 
ble qualities  of  Captain  de  Haldimar.    But  although. 


.......  'A-srVf 


:::x^ 


•  ■  r 
I. 


«•..■?■ 


'*'l 
i^ 


16 


i^Jstff 


X::-    •  .'   ''■'■■      ■!■■■     ."■iia'J 


•if-  \<^J 


V,-'.     •  ^  ;.    ■■;  J. -;-.■,  1^ 


if'r 


m 


Ri 


■.!^ 


i'::"!'.^^^:;"!*;^' 


P;  I 


( 


80 


WACOUSTA. 


unlike  yourselves,  I  have  learnt  to  admire  that  officer 
only  at  a  distance,  my  devotion  to  his  interests  has  been 
proportioned  to  the  kindness  with  which  I  have  ever 
been  treated  by  him ;  and  may  I  not  add,  after  this 
avowal  of  my  former  condition,  my  most  fervent  desire 
has  all  along  been  to  seize  the  first  favourable  op^vor- 
tunity  of  performing  some  action  that  would  eventually 
elevate  me  to  a  position  in  which  I  might,  without  blush- 
ing  for  the  absence  of  the  ennobling  qualities  of  birtli 
and  condition,  avow  myself  his  friend,  and  solicit  that 
distinction  from  my  equal  which  was  partially  extended  to 
me  by  my  superior?  The  opportunity  I  sought  was  not 
long  wanting.  At  the  memorable  afiair  with  tiie  Frcncli 
general,  Levi,  at  Quebec,  in  which  our  regiment  bore  so 
conspicuous  a  part,  I  had  the  good  fortune  'o  save  the 
life  of  my  captain.  A  band  of  Indians,  as  yoi:;  all,  gen- 
tlemen, must  recollect,  had  approached  our  right  flank 
unperceived,  and  while  busily  engaged  with  the  French 
in  front,  we  were  compelled  to  divide  our  fire  between 
them  and  our  new  and  fierce  assailants.  The  leader  of 
that  band  was  a  French  officer,  who  seemed  particularly 
to  direct  his  attempts  against  the  life  of  Captain  de  Hal- 
dimar.    He  was  a  man  of  powerful  proportions  and 

gigantic  stature " 

"  Hold !"  said  the  governor,  starting  suddenly  from  the 
seat  in  which  ho  had  listened  with  evident  impatience 
to  this  long  outline  of  the  prisoner's  history.  "  Gentle- 
men," addressing  tho  court,  "  that  is  the  very  strangor 
who  was  in  my  apartment  last  night, — the  being  witli 
whom  the  prisoner  is  evidently  in  treacherous  corres- 
pondence, and  all  this  absurd  tale  is  but  a  blind  to  de- 
ceive your  judgment,  and  mitigate  his  own  punishment. 
Who  is  there  to  prove  the  man  he  has  just  described  was 


the 
Que 
A 

of  th 
his  tt 
iiis  v( 


«t 


chains 
he  dre 

nity ; 

you  in 

I  have 

as  keei 

save  m 

you  no' 

sued,  i) 

show  th 

life  of  C 

himself, 

leave  thi 

here  adv 

his  look 

dency,  " 

those  pre 

my  deat 

wretched 

he  con  til 

growing } 

companio 

your  son, 

the  arm 

other  u';ti 

nientioij  h 


ii 


officer 
J  been 
I  ever 
r  this 
desire 
op;vor- 
itually 
blush- 
f  birlli 
it  that 
nded  to 
ivas  not 
French 
bore  so 
ave  the 
ill,  gen- 
hi  flank 
French 
)etwecn 
ader  of 
cularly 
do  Hal- 
ns  and 

irom  tlic 
latience 
iGcntle- 
trangor 
ig  with 
corrcs- 
to  do- 
tluncnt. 
jcd  was 


WACOUSTA. 


81 


the  same  who  aimed  at  Captain  de  Haldimar's  life  at 

Quebec/' 

A  flush  of  deep  indignation  overspread  the  features 
of  the  prisoner,  whose  high  spirit,  now  he  had  avowed 
his  true  origin,  could  ill  brook  the  affront  thus  put  upon 
his  veracity. 

*'  Colonel  de  Haldimar !"  he  proudly  replied,  while  his 
chains  clanked  with  the  energy  and  force  with  which 
he  drew  up  his  person  into  an  attitude  of  striking  dig- 
nity;  "for  once  I  sink  the  private  soldier,  and  address 
you  in  the  character  of  the  gentleman  and  your  equal. 
I  have  a  soul,  sir,  notwithstanding  my  fallen  fortunes, 
as  keenly  alive  to  honour  as  your  own ;  and  not  even  to 
save  my  wretched  life,  would  1  bo  guilty  of  the  baseness 
you  now  attribute  to  me.  You  have  asked,"  he  pur- 
sued, in  a  more  solemn  tone,  "  what  proof  I  have  to 
show  this  individual  to  be  the  same  who  attempted  the 
hfe  of  Captain  de  Haldimar.  To  Captain  do  Haldimar 
himself,  should  Providence  hava  spared  his  days,  I  shall 
leave  the  melancholy  task  of  bearing  witness  to  all  I 
here  advance,  when  I  shall  be  no  more.  Nay,  sir,"  and 
his  look  partook  at  once  of  mingled  scorn  and  despon- 
dency, "  weU  do  I  know  the  fate  that  awaits  me ;  for  in 
these  proceedings — in  that  third  charge — I  plainly  read 
my  death-warrant.  But  what,  save  my  |>oor  and 
wretched  wife,  have  I  to  regret  ?  Colonel  de  Haldimar," 
he  continued,  with  a  vehemence  meant  to  check  the 
growing  weakness  which  the  thought  of  his  unfortunate 
companion  called  up  to  his  heart,  "  I  saved  the  life  of 
yourson,evonby  your  own  admission,  no  matter  whose 
the  arm  that  threatened  his  existence ;  and  in  every 
other  u';lion  in  wluch  I  have  been  engugod,  honourable 
mention  has  ever  been  made  of  my  conduct.     Now,  sir, 


-i>'^ 


M 


'hV 


ffl 


S' 


I'l  ■ 

hi  I 

\[  '     ; 

f'  .  '  •'    It's 


m 


82 


WACOUSTA. 


Hi 


I  ask  what  has  been  my  reward  ?  So  far  from  attend. 
ing  to  the  repeated  recommendations  of  my  captain  for 
promotion,  even  in  a  subordinate  rank,  have  you  once 
deemed  it  necessary  to  acknowledge  my  services  by  even 
a  recognition  of  them  in  any  way  whatever?" 

"  Mr.  President,  Captain  Blcssington,"  interrupted  the 
governor  haughtily,  are  we  met  here  to  listen  to  sucli 
language  from  a  private  soldier  ?  You  will  do  well,  sir, 
to  exercise  your  prerogative,  and  stay  such  importinciit 
matter,  which  can  have  no  reference  whatever  to  tlie  dt. 
fence  of  the  prisoner." 

"  Prisoner,"  resumed  the  president,  who  as  well  as  the 
other  members  of  the  court,  had  listened  with  the  most 
profound  and  absorbing  interest  to  the  singular  disclo. 
sure  of  him  whom  they  still  only  knew  as  Frank  Hallo' 
way,  "  this  language  cannot  be  permitted  ;  you  must  con. 
fine  yourself  to  your  defence." 

"  Pardon  mc,  gentlemen,"  returned  f  lalloway,  in  ]m 
usual  firm  but  respectful  tone  of  voice ;  pardon  mc,  if, 
standing  on  the  brink  of  the  grave  as  I  do,  I  have  so  far 
forgotten  the  rules  of  military  discipline  as  to  sink  for  a 
moment  tlie  soldier  in  tlic  gentleman ;  but  to  be  taxui 
with  an  umvortliy  fabrication,  and  to  )je  treated  wiili 
contumely  when  avowing  the  secretof  my  condition,  \v;i> 
more  than  human  pride  and  human  fcclinir  could  tok- 
rate." 

"  Confine  yourself,  prisoner,  to  your  defence,"  nfrain 
remarked  Captain  Blessington,  perceiving  the  restless 
ness  with  which  the  governor  listened  to  these  bold  am; 
additional  observations  of  Ilalloway. 

Again  the  governor  interjmsed  : — "What  possible  rnn 
nection  can  there  be  betwcon  this  man's  life,  and  tii 
crimo  with  which  ho  stands  charged  ?  Cai)tain  Blessiiii' 


ton,  I 
try  tli 
time 

J("ct." 

proud 
iiifrrci- 
Eclf;  f 
my  do 
diiice 

{l|.)UC 

wisdon 
is  lo  be 
ol'liim, 
:|liis  life 
Iwhich  \ 
Isiicd,  a( 
hvhether 
3ver    be 
inipressi 
)nly  be  ( 
may,  by 
Here  1 
learnest 
two  or  t 
'rcsidcn 
ilhcn  dire 
'  I  luu 
Ithc  oRlcc 
Igantic  st 
tcntion  \v 
istancc,  ai 
litr.sand 


» 


(     ! 


om  attend, 
captain  for 
G  you  once 
3CS  by  even 


>> 


rrupted  the 
in  to  such 
lo  well,  yir, 
mportiniiit 
'  to  tlie  dc 

well  as  the 
li  the  most 
liar  disclo. 
aiik  Hallo- 
I  must  con. 

vay,  in  liij 
Ion  mc,  if. 
rave  so  far 
sink  for  a 
o  be  taxiii 
catcd  willi 
lition,  \v;i> 
ould  toll' 


n  " 


iilfaiFi 


rcstlos. 
bold  ami 

sibic  roll- 
and  til' 
I  Messing- 


WACOUSTA. 


83 


on,  tins  is  trifling-  with  the  court,  who  are  assembled  to 

;|ry  the  prisoner  for  his  treason,  and  not  to  waste  their 

inio  in  Ustening  to  a  history  utterly  foreign  to  the  sub- 

cct." 

"  Tiie  history  of  my  past  life — Colonel  de  Haldimar," 

loudly  returned  the  prisoner,  "  although  tedious  and  un- 

iiterosting  to  you,  is  of  the  utmost  importance  to  my- 

leclf;  for  on  that  do  I  ground  the  most  essential  par*^  of 

tniy  d.;fcncc.    There  is  nothing  but  circumstantial  evi- 

■|donce  against  mo  on  the  two  first  charges;  and  as  those 

i|iilonc  can  reflect  dishonour  on  my  memory,  it  is  for  the 

^wisdom  of  this  court  to  determine  whether  that  evidence 

ma  to  be  credited  in  opposition  to  the  solemn  declaration 

fofhim,  who,  in  admitting  one  charge,  equally  affecting 

iliis  life  with  the  others,  repudiates  as  foul  those  only 

iwhich  would  attaint  his  honoar.    Gentlemen,"  he  pur- 

tgucd,  addressing  the  court,  "it  is  for  you  to  determine 

whether  my  defence  is  to  be  continued  or  not ;  yet,  what- 

^cver    be  my  fate,  I   would  fain    remove   all   injurious 

liuiprcssion  from  the  minds  of  my  judges;  and  this  can 

;onIy  be  done  by  a  simple  detail  of  circumstances,  wliich 

f;iii.iy,  by  the  unprejudiced,  be  as  simply  believed." 

Here  the  prisoner  paused  :  when,  after  some  low  and 

l^earnest  conversation  among  the  members  of  the  court, 

llwo  or  three  slips  of  written  paper  were  passed  to  the 

'^rrcsidcnt.     He  glanced  his  eye  hurriedly  over  them,  and 

then  directed  Halloway  to  proceed  with  his  defence. 

"  I  have  stated,"  pursued  the  interesting  soldier,  "that 

1!k'  orticcr  who  led  the  band  of  Indians  was  a  man  of  ffi- 

M:;intic  stature,  and  of  apj,)arontly  great  strength.   My  at- 

4ti  tition  was  particularly  directed  to  him  from  this  circum- 

hianco,  and  as  I  was  on  the  extreme  flank  of  tiio  gronn- 

<ii(  IS,  and  close  to  Captain  do  Haldimar,  I  had  every  oppor- 


.is  t 


4 


'■;* 


v>/. 


^1 


84 


WACOUSTA. 


.s 


f     ' 

■:  i' 

■I  I 


tunity  of  observing  his  movements  principally  pointed  at 
that  officer.  He  first  discharged  a  carbine,  the  ball  of 
which  killed  a  man  of  the  company  at  his  (Captain  de 
Haldimai's)  side ;  and  then,  with  evident  rage  at  having 
been  defeated  in  his  aim,  he  took  a  pistol  from  his  belt, 
and  advancing  with  rapid  strides  to  within  a  few  paces  of 
his  intended  victim,  presented  it  in  the  most  deliberate 
manner.  At  that  moment,  gentlemen,  (and  it  was  but 
the  work  of  a  moment^)  a  thousand  confused  and  almost 
inexplicable  feelings  rose  to  my  heart.  The  occasion  I 
had  long  sought  was  at  length  within  my  reach;  but 
even  the  personal  considerations,  which  had  hitherto  in- 
fluenced my  mind,  were  sunk  in  the  anxious  desire  I  en. 
tertained  to  preserve  the  life  of  an  officer  so  universally 
beloved,  and  so  every  way  worthy  of  the  sacrifice. 
While  yet  the  pistol  remained  levelled,  I  sprang  before 
Captain  dc  Haldimar,  received  the  ball  in  my  breast,  and 
had  just  strength  sufficient  to  fire  my  musket  at  the  for- 
midable enemy,  when  I  sank  senseless  to  the  earth. 

"  It  will  not  be  difficult  for  you,  gentlemen,  who  have 
feeling  minds,  to  understand  the  pleai^urable  pride  with 
which,  on  being  conveyed  to  Captain  dc  Haldimar's  own 
apartments  in  Quebec,  I  found  myself  almost  over- 
whelmed by  the  touching  marks  of  gratitude  showered  on 
me  by  his  amiable  relatives.  Miss  Clara  de  Haldimor,  in 
particular,  like  a  ministering  angel,  visited  my  couch  of 
suffering  at  almost  every  hour,  and  always  provided  with 
some  little  delicacy,  suitable  to  my  condition,  of  wliich  ( 
had  long  since  tutored  myself  to  forget  even  tlie  use. 
But  what  principally  affi)rded  me  pleasure,  was  to  remark 
the  consolations  which  she  tendered  to  my  poor  drooping 
Ellen,  who,  already  more  than  half  subdued  by  the  me- 
lancholy change  in  our  condition  in  life,  frequently  spent 


hours 

watchi 

intense 

about  t 

disclost 

position 

to  makt 

notice,  I 

and  dcs( 

;j     that   div 

I    daughter 

lips,  and 

"  Gent 

"ifldw( 

show  how 

it  likely,  ' 

named,  I 

And,  even 

means  was 

tuined  by  c 

charge,  ho 

tion,  how  : 

nient  of  my 

of  favour  th 

tion  Jiad  hc^ 

famjjy  ofC( 

'"&'  me  men 

way,  altliGu 

unceasing  jj 

he  thougJit  I 

'Icvott'dness  i 

plications  we 

I'lit  no'     .  IX 

VOL.  I 8 


'%^ 


WACOUSTA. 


85 


hours  together  in  silent  grief  at  the  side  of  my  couch,  and 
watching  every  change  in  my  countenance  with  all  the 
intense  anxiety  of  one  who  feels  tlie  last  stay  on  earth  is 
about  to  be  severed  for  ever.  All  I  how  I  then  longed  to 
disclose  to  this  kind  and  compassionating  being  the  true 
position  of  her  on  whom  she  lavished  her  attention,  and 
to  make  her  known  not  as  the  inferior  honoured  by  her 
notice,  but  as  the  equal  alike  worthy  of  her  friendship 
and  deserving  of  her  esteem  ;  but  the  wide,  wide  barrier 
that  divided  the  wife  of  the  private  soldier  from  the 
daughter  and  sister  of  the  commissioned  officer  sealed  my 
lips,  and  our  true  condition  continued  unrevealed. 

"  Gentlemen,"  resumed  Halloway,  after  a  short  pause, 
"  if  1  dwell  on  these  circumstances,  it  is  with  a  view  to 
show  how  vile  are  the  charges  preferred  against  me.     Is 
it  likely,  with  all  the  incentives  to  good  conduct  1  have 
named,  I  should  have  proved  a  traitor  to  my  country  ? 
And,  even  if  so,  what  to  gain,  I  would  ask  ;  and  by  what 
means  was  a  correspondence  with  the  enemy  to  be  main- 
tained  by  one  in  my  humble  station  ?    As  for  the  second 
charge,  how  infamous,  how  injurious  is  it  to  my  reputa- 
tion, how  unworthy  m  be  entertained !     From  the  mo- 
ment of  my  recovery  from  that  sfjvere  wound,every  mark 
of  favour  that  could  be  bestowed  on  persons  in  our  situa- 
tion Jmd  b.   n  extended  to  my  wiie  and  myself,  by  the 
family  of  Colonel  do  Haldiraar ;  and  my  captain,  know- 
ing me  merely  as  the  simple  and  low  born  Frank  Hallo- 
way,  although  fctill  tiic  preserver  of  his  life,  has  been 
unceasing  in  his  exertions  to  obtain  such  promotion  as 
he  thought  my  conduct  generally,  independently  of  my 
(Icvotedness  to  his  person,  nii<,rht  claim.    How  these  ap- 
plications were  Liet,  gentlemen,  I  have  already  stated ; 
but  no'       .  tandiiig   Colonel   de  Haldimar   has   never 

VOL.  I. — 8 


J.. 


l';'' 


r  ■ 


m 


''i 


Ik 


ir^:^ 


ill 

ll.  I'' ' 


; 

'  1: 

1 

1'' 

c,',' 

« 

1 

%t 

,    4 

A 

•;;i| 


I 


1 


86 


WACOIJSTA. 


deemed  me  worthy  of  th  3  promotion  solicited,  that  cir- 
cumstance could  in  no  way  weaken  my  regard  and  at- 
tachment  for  him  who  had  so  often  demanded  it.  How 
then,  in  the  name  of  heaven,  can  a  charge  so  improba- 
ble, so  extravagant,  as  that  of  having  been  instrumental  in 
the  abduction  of  Captain  de  Haldimar,  be  entertained? 
and  who  is  there  among  you,  gentlemen,  who  will  for 
one  moment  believe  I  could  harbour  a  thought  so  absurd 
as  that  of  lending  myself  to  the  destruction  of  one  for 
whom  I  once  cheerfully  offered  up  the  sacrifice  of  my 
blood  ?  And  now,"  pursued  the  prisoner,  after  another 
short  pause,  "  I  come  to  the  third  charge, — that  charge 
which  most  affects  my  life,  L»ut  impugns  neither  my  ho. 
nour  nor  my  fidelity.  Tiiat  God,  before  whom  I  know  I 
shall  shortly  appear,  can  attest  the  sincerity  of  my  state- 
ment, and  before  him  do  I  now  solemnly  declare  what  I 
am  about  to  r*  -ate  is  true. 

"Soon  af^er  the  commencement  of  my  watch  hsi 
night,  I  heard  a  voice  distinctly  on  the  outside  of  the  ram- 
part,  near  my  post,  calling  in  a  low  and  subdued  tone  on 
the  name  of  Captain  de  Haldimar.  The  accents,  ^'aistiiy 
and  anxiously  uttered,  were  apparently  those  of  ?  feiuali, 
For  a  moment  1  continued  irresolute  how  to  act,  and  iic- 
sitated  wliether  or  not  I  should  alarm  the  garrison ;  but, 
at  length,  presuming  it  was  some  young  female  ol'tii', 
village  with  whom  my  captain  was  acquainted,  it  occur 
red  to  me  the  most  prudent  course  would  be  to  apprist 
that  officer  himself.  While  I  yet  hesitated  whether  to 
Ieav3  my  oost  for  a  moment  for  the  purpose,  a  man 
cro8s^.:d  the  paradi  n  few  yards  in  my  front ;  it  was  Cap- 
tain dc  Haldimar's  servant,  Donellaii,  then  in  the  act  of 
carrying  some  things  from  his  master's  apartment  to  the 
guard-room.     1  called  to  him,  to  say  the  sentinel  at  tli^ 


m 


In  th( 

wlicn 
voice  { 
and  tu 
the  rar 
inimed 
as  if  th 
in  the 
siicceec 
j)arties. 
guish  ij 
spoke  n 
Indians 
gentlem 
continu( 
Jiastily 
rcction  ( 
Haldimj 
servant 
his  hand 
th(^  fores 
safety  of 
''At  f 
penalty  8 
scrvation 
hy  the  g( 
rcspcctfu 
taincd,  if 
(k'scrihed 
iic  well 
mission,  i 
tiirc  and  ( 


'A 


^«!P- 


that  cir- 
and  at- 
;.    How 

mproba. 
lental  in 
rtained] 
will  for 
o  absurd 
■  one  for 
;e  of  my 
•  another 
it  charge 
r  my  ho- 
[  know  I 
my  state- 
re  what  I 


WACOUSTA. 


87 


aatc  wislicd  to  see  the  captain  of  the  guard  immediately. 
In  the  course  of  a  few  minutes  he  came  up  to  my  post, 
when  I  told  him  what  I  had  heard.  At  that  moment,  the 
voice  again  repeated  his  name,  when  he  abruptly  left  me 
and  turned  to  the  left  of  the  gate,  evidently  on  his  way  to 
the  rampart.  Soon  afterwards  I  heard  Captain  de  Haldimar 
immediately  above  me,  sharply  calling  out  *  Hist,  hist !' 
as  if  the  person  on  the  outside,  despairing  of  success,  was 
in  the  act  of  retreating.  A  moment  or  two  of  silence 
succeeded,  when  a  low  conversation  ensued  between  the 
parties.  The  distance  was  so  great  I  could  only  distin- 
guish inarticulate  sounds;  yet  it  seemed  to  me  as  if  they 
spoke  not  in  English,  but  in  the  language  of  the  Ottawa 
Indians,  a  tongue  with  which,  as  you  are  well  aware, 
gentlemen.  Captain  de  Haldimar  is  fiimiliar.  This  had 
continued  about  ten  minutes  when  I  again  heard  footsteps 
liastily  descending  the  rampart,  and  moving  in  the  di- 
rection of  the  guard-house.  Soon  afterwards  Captain  de 
Haldimar  ro-appcared  at  my  post,  accompanied  by  his 
servant  Donellan  ;  the  former  had  the  keys  of  the  gate  in 
Ills  hand,  and  he  told  me  that  he  must  pass  to  the  skirt  of 
the  forest  on  some  business  of  the  last  importance  to  the 
safety  of  the  garrison. 

"At  first  I  peremptorily  refused,  stating  the  severe 
penalty  attached  to  the  infringement  of  an  order,  the  ob- 
servation of  which  had  so  especially  been  insisted  upon 
by  the  governor,  whose  permission,  however,  I  ventured 
respectfully  to  urge,  might,  without  difficulty,  be  ob- 
tained, if  the  business  was  really  of  the  importance  he 
(lescril)cd  it.  Captain  de  Haldimar,  however,  declared 
he  well  knew  the  governor  would  not  accord  that  per- 
mission, unless  lie  was  positively  acquainted  witii  the  na- 
ture and  extent  of  the  danger  to  be  apprehended  ;  and  of 


■<*4p 


^^m 


1;"%,.-' 


Ai 


i  'A 


-I 


.- :i 


;^^ii 


^'1) 


•  :u 


If 


m'-^' 


I  if; 

I'' 


88 


WACOUSTA. 


these,  he  said,  he  was  not  himself  sufficiently  aware.  All 
argument  of  this  nature  proving  ineffectual,  he  attempted 
to  enforce  his  authority,  not  only  in  his  capacity  of  offi- 
cer  of  the  guard,  but  also  as  my  captain,  ordering  me,  on 
pain  of  confinement,  not  to  interfere  with  or  attempt  to 
impede  his  departure.  This,  however,  produced  no  bet- 
ter  result ;  for  I  knew  that,  in  this  instance,  I  was  ame- 
nable  to  the  order  of  the  governor  alone,  and  I  again 
firmly  refused  to  violate  my  duty. 

"  Finding  himself  thwarted  in  his  attempt  to  enforce 
my  obedience,  Captain  de  Haldimar,  who  seemed  much 
agitated  and  annoyed  by  what  he  termed  my  obstinacy, 
now  descended  to  entreaty ;  and  in  the  name  of  that  life 
which  I  had  preserved  to  him,  and  of  that  deep  gratitude 
which  he  had  ever  since  borne  to  me,  conjured  me  not  to 
prevent  his  departure.  *  Halloway,'  he  urged,  *  your 
life,  my  life,  my  father's  life, — the  life  of  my  sister  Clara 
perhaps,  who  nursed  you  in  illness,  and  who  has  ever 
treated  your  wife  with  attention  and  kindness, — all  these 
depend  upon  your  compliance  with  my  request.  Hear 
me,'  he  pursued,  following  up  the  impression  which  he 
clearly  perceived  he  had  produced  in  me  by  this  singular 
and  touching  language :  *  I  promise  to  be  back  withui 
the  hour ;  there  is  no  danger  attending  my  departure, 
and  here  will  I  be  before  you  are  relieved  from  your 
post ;  no  one  can  know  I  have  been  absent,  and  your 
secret  will  remain  with  Donellan  and  myself.  Do  you 
think,'  he  concluded,  '  I  would  encourage  a  soldier  of  my 
regiment  to  disobey  a  standing  order  of  the  garrison,  un- 
less there  was  some  very  extraordinary  reason  for  my  so 
doing  ?  But  there  is  no  time  to  be  lost  in  parley.  Hal- 
loway !  I  entreat  you  to  ofl'er  no  furtlu^r  opposition  to 


my  de 
are  rel 
"Ge 
after  a 
seemed 
attentio 
gular 
could 
Haldims 
of  those 
with  his 
*  lidd  save 
boon  so  e 
ceded  to 
returned 
the  disco 
my  punij 
were  to  ai 
named,  an 
der  the  fir 
the  tempo 
ruptly  con 
add;  if  I 
least,  fulfil: 
of  the  first 
motives  wl 
trust,  be  ut 
ishrnent  is 
The  cane 
way  had  de 
t^vcr  little  1 
evidently  ni 
listened  wii 


fi    1 


t  I 


WACOUSTA. 


89 


my  departure.  I  pledge  myself  to  be  b«:ck  before  you 
are  relieved.* 

"Gentlemen,"  impressively  continued  the  prisoner, 
after  a  pause,  during  which  each  member  of  the  court 
seemed  to  breathe  for  the  first  time,  so  deeply  had  the 
attention  of  all  been  riveted  by  the  latter  part  of  this  sin- 
gular declaration,  "how,  under  these  circumstances, 
could  I  be  expected  to  act?  Assured  by  Captain  de 
Haldimar,  in  the  most  solemn  manner,  that  the  existence 
of  tliose  most  dear  to  his  heart  hung  on  my  compliance 
witli  his  request,  how  could  I  refuse  to  him,  whose  life  I 
lidd  saved,  and  whose  character  I  so  much  esteemed,  a 
boon  so  earnestly,  nay,  so  imploringly  solicited  ?  I  ac- 
ceded to  his  prayer,  intimating  at  the  same  time,  if  he 
returned  not  before  another  sentinel  should  relieve  me, 
the  discovery  of  my  breach  of  duty  must  be  made,  and 
my  punishment  inevitable.  His  last  words,  however, 
were  to  assure  me  he  should  return  at  the  hour  he  had 
named,  and  when  I  closed  the  gate  upon  him,  it  was  un- 
der the  firm  impression  his  absence  would  only  prove  ot 
the  temporary  nature  he  had  stated. — Gentlemen,"  ab- 
ruptly concluded  Halloway,  "  I  have  nothing  further  to 
add;  if  I  have  failed  in  my  duty  as  a  soldier,  I  have,  at 
least,  fulfilled  that  of  a  man ;  and  although  the  violation 
of  the  first  entail  upon  me  the  punishment  of  death,  the 
motives  which  impelled  me  to  that  violation  will  not,  I 
trust,  be  utterly  lost  sight  of  by  those  by  whom  my  pun- 
ishment is  to  be  awarded." 

The  candid,  fearless,  and  manly  tone  in  which  Hallo- 
way  had  delivered  tliis  long  and  singular  statement,  how- 
ever little  the  governor  appeared  to  be  affected  by  it, 
evidently  made  a  dcept  impression  on  the  court,  who  had 
listened  with  undiverted  attention  to  the   close.    Some 

8* 


ifc'C' 


■;■■.,'■  -  •     'v.^.'r.S 

.  .J '. » ;  -tin 


f'ft     ,  ■".  •ill  I.      '• 
■  ■■,<■  ■  \ 


'■■    i'Vti 


te.-  '^  m 


90 


WACOUSTA. 


1 1 ' 


;i'       ' 


•           1 

1 

If 

1 

''  ■     1'. 

i 

1' 

1 

lirf 
I?' 

li   ..1 


4     ' 

1 ''.  ' 

conversation  again  ensued,  in  a  low  tone,  among-  several 
members,  when  two  slips  of  written  paper  were  passed 
up,  as  before,  to  the  president.  These  « licited  the  follow- 
ing interrogatories : — 

"  You  have  stated,  prisoner,  that  Captain  de  Haldimar 
left  the  fort  accompanied  by  his  servant  Donellan.  How 
were  they  respectively  dressed  ?" 

"Captain  de  Haldimar  in  his  uniform ;  Donellan,  as 
far  as  I  could  observe,  in  his  regimental  clothing  also, 
with  this  difference,  that  he  wore  his  servant's  round 
glazed  hat  and  his  grey  great  coat." 

"  How  then  do  you  account  for  the  extraordinary  cir- 
cumstancc  of  Donellan  having  been  found  murdered  in 
his  master's  clothes  ?  Was  any  allusion  made  to  a  change 
of  dress  before  they  left  the  fort  ?" 

"  Not  the  slightest,"  returned  the  prisoner ;  "  nor  can 
I  in  any  way  account  for  this  mysterious  fact.  When 
they  quitted  the  garrison,  each  wore  the  dress  I  have  de- 
scribed." 

*'  In  what  manner  did  Captain  de  Haldimar  and  Donel- 
iai:i  effect  their  passage  across  the  ditch  ?"  continued  the 
president,  after  glancing  at  the  second  slip  of  paper 
"  The  draw-bridge  was  evidently  not  lowered,  and  tlierc 
were  no  other  means  at  hand  to  enable  him  to  effect  Jiis 
object  with  promptitude.  How  do  you  explain  this,  pri- 
soner  ?" 

When  this  question  was  put,  the  whole  body  of  offi- 
cers, and  the  governor  especially,  turnea  their  eyes 
simultaneously  on  Halloway,  for  on  his  hesitation  or 
promptness  in  replying  seemed  to  attach  much  of  tlie 
credit  they  were  disposed  to  accord  his  statement.  Hal- 
loway observed  it,  and  coloured.  His  reply,  however, 
was  free,  unfaltering,  and  unstudied. 


r 


WACOUSTA. 


91 


■yyif*'"^ 


"  A  rope  with  which  Donellan  had  provided  himself, 
was  secured  to  one  of  the  iron  hooks  that  support  the  pul- 
leys immediately  above  the  gate.  With  this  they  swung 
themselves  in  succession  to  the  opposite  bank." 

The  members  of  the  court  looked  at  each  other,  appa- 
rently glad  that  an  answer  so  confirmatory  of  the  truth 
of  the  prisoner's  statement,  had  been  thus  readily  given. 

"  Were  they  to  have  returned  in  the  same  manner  ?" 
pursued  the  president,  framing  his  i-  ^  ^rogatory  from  the 
contents  of  another  slip  of  paper,  ich,  at  the  sugges- 
tion of  the  governor,  had  been  passed  to  him  by  the  pro- 
secutor, Mr.  Lawson. 

*'  Tliey  were,"  firmly  replied  the  prisoner.  "At  least  I 
presumed  they  were,  for,  I  believe  in  the  hurry  of  Captain 
de  Haldimar*s  departure,  he  never  once  made  any  di- 
rect allusion  to  the  manner  of  his  return;  nor  did  it 
occur  to  me  until  this  moment  how  they  were  to  regain 
possession  of  the  rope,  without  assistance  from  within." 

"Of  course,"  observed  Colonel  deHaldimar,  address- 
ing the  president,  "  the  rope  still  remains.  Mr.  Lawson 
examine  the  gate,  and  report  accordingly." 

The  adjutant  hastened  to  acquit  himself  of  this  laconic 
order,  and  soon  afterwards  returned,  stating  not  only 
that  there  was  no  rope,  but  that  the  hook  alluded  to  had 
disappeared  altogether. 

For  a  moment  the  cheek  of  the  prisoner  paled  ;  but  it 
was  evidently  less  from  any  fear  connected  with  his  indi- 
vidual existence,  than  from  the  shame  he  felt  at  having 
been  detected  in  a  supposed  falsehood.  He  however 
speedily  recorered  his  self-possession,  and  exhibited  the 
same  character  of  unconcern  by  which  his  general  bear- 
ing throughout  the  trial  had  been  distinguished. 

On  this  announcement  of  the  adjutant,  the  governor 


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92 


WACOUSTA. 


betrayed  a  movement  of  impatience,  that  was  meant  to 
convey  his  utter  disbehcf  of  the  whole  of  the  prisoner's 
statement,  and  his  look  seemed  to  express  to  the  court  it 
should  also  arrive,  and  witliout  hesitation,  at  the  same  con- 
clusion. Even  all  authoritative  as  he  was,  however,  he  felt 
that  military  etiquette  and  strict  discipline  prevented  his 
interfering  further  in  this  advanced  state  of  the  proceed- 
ings. 

"Prisoner,"  again  remarked  Captain  Blessington, 
"  your  statement  in  regard  to  the  means  employed  by 
Captain  de  Haldimar  in.  effecting  his  departure,  is,  you 
must  admit,  unsupported  hy  appearances.  How  happens 
it  the  rope  is  no  longer  where  you  say  it  was  placed  ?  No 
one  could  have  removed  it  but  yourself.  Have  you  done 
so?  and  if  so,  can  you  produce  it,  or  say  where  it  is  to  be 
found?" 

"Captain  Blessington,"  replied  Halloway,  proudly, 
yet  respectfully,  "  I  have  already  invoked  tliat  great 
Being,  before  whose  tribunal  I  am  so  shortly  to  appear, 
in  testimony  of  the  truth  of  my  assertion ;  and  again,  in 
his  presence,  do  I  repeat,  every  word  I  have  uttered  is 
true.  I  did  not  remove  the  rope,  neither  do  I  know  wliat 
is  become  of  it.  I  admit  its  disappearance  is  extraordi- 
nary, but  a  moment's  reflection  must  satisfy  the  court,  I 
would  not  have  devised  a  tale,  the  falsehood  of  wliicli 
could  at  once  have  been  detected  on  an  examination  sticli 
as  that  which  has  just  been  instituted.  When  Mr.  Law 
Bon  left  this  room  just  now,  I  fully  expected  he  would 
have  found  the  rope  lying  as  it  had  been  left.  What  has 
become  of  it,  I  repeat,  I  know  not ;  but  in  the  manner  I 
have  stated  did  Captain  de  Haldimar  and  Donellan  cross 
the  ditch.  I  have  nothing  further  to  add,"  he  conrhided 
once  more,  drawing  up  his  line  tail  j)er8on,  the  native 


WACOUSTA. 


93 


elegance  of  which  could  not  be  wholly  disguised  even  in 
the  dress  of  a  private  soldier ;  ''  nothing*  further  to  dis- 
close. Yet  do  I  repel  with  scorn  the  injurious  insinua- 
tion against  my  fidelity,  suggested  in  these  doubts.  I 
am  prepared  to  meet  my  death  as  best  may  become  a 
soldier,  and  let  me  add,  as  best  may  become  a  proud  and 
well  born  gentleman ;  but  humanity  and  common  justice 
should  at  least  be  accorded  to  my  memory.  I  am  an 
unfortunate  man,  but  no  traitor." 

The  members  were  visibly  impressed  by  the  last  sen- 
tences of  the  prisoner.  No  further  question  however  was 
asked,  and  he  was  again  removed  by  the  escort,  who  had 
ken  wondering  spectators  of  tlie  scene,  to  the  cell  he  had 
so  recently  occupied.  The  room  was  then  cleared  of  the 
witnesses  and  strangers,  the  latter  comprising  nearly  the 
whole  of  the  officers  off  duty,  when  the  court  proceeded 
to  deliberate  on  the  evidence,  and  pass  sentence  on  Uie 
accused. 


,     .■•■         V    •f;,'r..»<,    (ft 


■  *  i 


iw^ 

i.  .  - 1.-;     ■ 

•;•    i,  ,:  , 
• )       ,  ■    ■ 

, 

« 


94 


,,^ 


/\ 


/f 


WACOUSTA. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

Although  the  young  and  sensitive  De  Haldimar  had 
found  physical  relief  in  the  summary  means  resorted  to 
by  the  surgeon,  the  moral  wound  at  his  heart  not  only 
remained  unsoothed,  but  was  rendered  more  acutely  pain- 
ful by  the  wretched  reflections,  which  now  that  he  had 
full  leisure  to  review  the  past,  and  anticipate  the  future 
in  all  the  gloom  attached  to  both,  so  violently  assailed 
him.  From  the  moment  when  his  brother's  strange  and 
mysterious  disappearance  had  been  communicated  by  the 
adjutant  in  the  manner  we  have  already  seen,  his  spiriUs 
had  been  deeply  and  fearfully  depressed.  Still  he  had 
every  reason  to  expect,  from  the  well-known  character  of 
Halloway,  the  strong  hope  expressed  by  the  latter  might 
be  realised ;  and  that,  at  the  hour  appointed  for  trial,  ills 
brother  would  be  present  to  explain  the  cause  of  his  mys- 
terious absence,  justify  the  conduct  of  his  subordinate, 
and  exonerate  him  from  the  treachery  with  vvliich  he 
now  stood  charged.  Yet,  powerful  as  this  hope  was,  it 
was  unavoidably  qualified  by  dispiriting  doubt ;  for  a  na- 
ture affectionate  and  bland,  as  that  of  Charles  dc  Haldi- 
mar,  could  not  but  harbour  distrust,  while  a  shadow  of 
uncertainty,  in  regard  to  tlie  fate  of  a  brother  so  tenderly 
loved,  rt^mained.  lie  had  forced  himself  to  believe  as 
much  as  possible  what  he  wished,  and  the  effort  had,  to  a 
certain  extent,  succeeded;  but  there  had  been  somctiiiiijr 


Wm^i>, 


WACOUSTA. 


95 


1 


SO  solemn  and  so  impressive  in  the  scene  that  had 
passed  when  the  prisoner  was  first  brought  up  for  trial, 
something  so  fearfully  prophetic  in  the  wild  language  of 
his  unliappy  wife,  he  had  found  it  impossible  to  resist  the 
influence  of  the  almost  superstitious  awe  they  had  awak- 
ened in  his  heart. 

What  the  feelings  of  the  young  officer  were  subse- 
quently, when  in  the  person  of  the  murdered  man  on  the 
common,  the  victim  of  Sir  Everard  Valletort's  aim,  he  re- 
cognised tliat  brother,  whose  disappearance  had  occa- 
sioned liim  so  much  inquietude,  we  shall  not  attempt  to 
describe :  their  nature  is  best  shown  in  the  effect  they 
produced — the  almost  overwhelming  agony  of  body  and 
mind,  which  had  borne  him,  like  a  stricken  plant,  unre- 
sisting to  the  earth.  But  now  that,  in  the  calm  and  soli- 
tude of  his  chamber,  he  had  leisure  to  review  the  fearful 
events  conspiring  to  produce  this  extremity,  his  anguish 
of  spirit  was  even  deeper  than  when  the  first  rude  shock 
of  conviction  had  flashed  upon  his  understanding.  A 
tide  of  suffering,  that  overpowered,  without  rendering 
him  sensible  of  its  positive  and  abstract  character,  had, 
in  the  first  instance,  oppressed  his  faculties,  and  obscured 
his  perception ;  but  now,  slow,  sure,  stinging,  and  gra- 
dually succeeding  each  other,  came  every  bitter  tliought 
and  reflection  of  which  that  tide  was  composed;  and  the 
generous  heart  of  Charles  do  Haldimar  was  a  prey  to 
feelings  that  would  have  wrung  the  soul,  and  wounded 
the  sensibilities  of  one  far  less  gentle  and  susceptible 
than  himself  • 

Between  Sir  Everard  Valletort  and  Charles  de  Haldimar, 
who,  it  has  already  been  remarked,  were  lieutenants  in 
Taptain  Blcssington's  company,  a  sentiment  of  friendship 
had  been  buiTercd  to  spring  up  almost  from  the  moment 


,, :«-M 


•■';'..;^ 


.'*'*.' 


'■    '  i.i 


M: 


,     .    re'  ■■*; 


I' 


,  i']  ■u^ 

-■-  '-^v^f 


m 
1 

1 

'*  t 

!v 

r 

1            M             ' 

\ 


4-'  '' 


■I'  • 


d ,' 


1  j;' 

i 


■'l 

■) 

■  IS 

f.      ' 
1 

1  t 

•I'r    ' .   , 


96 


WACOUSTA* 


of  Sir  Everard's  joining-.  The  young  men  were  nearly  of 
the  same  age;  and  although  the  one  was  all  gentleness, 
the  other  all  spirit  and  vivacity,  not  a  shade  of  disunion 
had  at  any  period  intervened  to  interrupt  the  almost  bro- 
therly attachment  subsisting  between  them,  and  each 
felt  the  disposition  of  the  other  was  the  one  most  assimi- 
lated to  his  own.  In  fact,  Sir  Everard  was  far  from  being 
the  ephemeral  character  he  was  often  willing  to  appear. 
Under  a  semblance  of  affectation,  and  much  assumed 
levity  of  manner,  never,  however,  personally  offensive,  lie 
concealed  a  brave,  generous,  warm,  and  manly  heart,  and 
talents  becoming  the  rank  he  held  in  society,  such  as 
would  not  have  reflected  discredit  on  one  numbering 
twice  his  years.  He  had  entered  the  army,  as  most 
young  men  of  rank  usually  did  at  that  period,  rather  for 
the  agremens  it  held  forth,  than  with  any  serious  view  to 
advancement  in  it  as  a  profession.  Still  he  entertained 
the  praiseworthy  desire  of  being'  something  more  t)ian 
what  is,  among  military  men,  emphatically  termed  ^ 
feather-bed  soldier.  Not  that  we  mean,  however,  to  assert 
he  was  not  a  feather-bed  soldier  in  its  more  literal  sense ; 
in  fact,  his  own  observations,  recorded  in  the  early  part 
of  this  volume,  sufficiently  prove  his  predilection  for  the 
indulgence  of  pressing  his  downy  couch  to  what  is 
termed  a  decent  hour  in  the  day. 

We  need  scarcely  state  Sir  Everard's  theories  on  this 
important  subject  were  seldom  reduced  to  practice ;  for, 
even  long  before  the  Indians  had  broken  out  into  open 
acts  of  hostility,  when  such  precautions  were  rendered 
indispensable.  Colonel  de  Haldimar  had  never  suffered 
either  officer  or  man  to  linger  on  his  pillow  afler  the  first 
faint  dawn  had  appeared.  This  was  a  system  to  which 
Sir  Everard  could  never  reconcile  himself.    "  If  the  men 


t 


Ins  arnial 
usually  c 
subject,  ) 
find  since 
llencss  ai 
diinar,  so 
pliiaticdte 


i  ,. 


WACOUSTA. 


97 


must  be  drilled,"  he  urged,  •*  with  a  view  to  their  healtli 
and  discipline,  why  not  place  them  under  the  direction  of 
the  adjutant  or  the  officer  of  the  day,  whoever  he  might 
chance  to  be,  and  not  unnecessarily  disturb  a  body  of 
gentlemen  from  their  comfortable  slumbers  at  that  un- 
conscionable hour?"  Poor  Sir  Everard!  this  was  the 
only  grievance  of  which  he  complained,  and  he  com- 
plained bitterly.  Scarcely  a  morning  passed  without  his 
inveighing  loudly  against  the  barbarity  of  such  a  cus- 
tom ;  threatening  at  the  same  time,  amid  the  laughter  of 
his  companions,  to  quit  the  service  in  disgust  at  what  he 
called  so  ungentlemanly  and  gothic  a  habit ;  and,  but  for 
two  motives,  there  is  every  probability  he  would  have  se- 
riously availed  himself  of  the  earliest  opportunity  of  re- 
tiring. The  first  of  these  was  his  growing  friendship 
for  the  amiable  and  gentle  Charles  de  Haldimar ;  the  se- 
cond, the  secret,  and  scarcely  to  himself  acknowledged, 
interest  which  had  been  created  in  his  heart  for  his  sister 
Clara ;  whom  he  only  knew  from  the  glowing  descrip- 
tions of  his  friend,  and  the  strong  resemblance  she  was 
said  to  bear  to  him  by  the  other  officers. 

Clara  de  Haldimar  was  the  constant  theme  of  her 
younger  brother*s  praise.  Her  image  was  ever  upper- 
most in  his  thoughts — her  name  ever  hovering  on  his 
lips ;  and  when  alone  with  his  friend  Valletort,  it  was  his 
delight  to  dwell  on  the  worth  and  accomplishments  of 
his  amiable  and  beloved  sister.  Then,  indeed,  would  his 
usually  calm  blue  eye  sparkle  with  the  animation  of  his 
subject,  while  his  colouring  cheek  marked  all  the  warmth 
and  sincerity  with  which  he  bore  attestation  to  her  gen- 
tleness and  her  goodness.  The  heart  of  Cliarles  de  Hal- 
dimar, soldier  as  he  was,  was  pure,  generous,  and  unso- 
phisticated as  tJiat  of  the  «ister  whom  he  so  constantly 

vol,.  I. — n 


ii 


v^r;: 


.m«! 


;.':;:t; 


•■l.'.!i<| 


r  «»•  ar  »'T^  a  ■     »  » •■ 


!js:r;:3 


I  II'.   'l.',     .  .V 


1^;  t: 


'i; 


i      k. 


l!«  '.■■ 


m '' . 

'    t 

1  _  .1    'l  ) 

"j    ,  • 

1      '            . 

H 

r 

V,  ' 

*'  y  ' 

i     i.r'*' 

1 

;   -A  : 

„,.'., 

M       i 


' .  '."t 


■H  ■      .» 


98 


IVACOUSTA. 


eulogised ;  and,  while  listening  to  his  eloquent  praises, 
Sir  Everard  learnt  to  feel  an  interest  in  a  being  whom 
all  declared  to  be  the  coimterpart  of  her  brother,  as  well 
in  personal  attraction  as  in  singleness  of  nature.  With 
all  his  affected  levity,  and  notwithstanding  his  early  ini. 
tiation  into  fashionable  life — that  matter-of-fact  life  which 
strikes  at  the  existence  of  our  earlier  and  dearer  illusions 
— ^there  was  a  dash  of  romance  in  the  character  of  the 
young  baronet  which  tended  much  to  increase  the  plea- 
sure he  always  took  in  the  warm  descriptions  of  his 
friend.  The  very  circumstance  of  her  being  personally 
unknown  to  him,  was,  with  Sir  Everard,  an  additional 
motive  for  interest  in  Miss  de  Haldimar. 

Imagination  and  mystery  generally  work  tlieir  way 
together;  and  as  there  was  a  shade  of  mystery  attached 
to  Sir  Everard's  very  ignorance  of  the  person  of  one 
whom  he  admired  and  esteemed  from  report  alone,  ima- 
gination was  not  slow  to  improve  the  opportunity,  and  to 
endow  the  object  with  characteristics,  which  perhaps  a 
more  intimate  knowledge  of  the  party  might  have  led 
him  to  qualify.  In  this  manner,  in  early  youth,  arc  tiic 
silken  and  willing  fetters  of  the  generous  and  the  enthu- 
siastic forged.  We  invest  some  object,  whose  praises, 
whipered  secretly  in  the  ear,  have  glided  imperceptibly  to 
tlie  heart,  with  all  the  attributes  supplied  by  our  own 
vivid  and  readily  according  imaginations ;  and  so  accus- 
tomed do  we  become  to  linger  on  the  picture,  we  adore 
the  semblance  with  an  ardour  which  the  original  oflen 
fails  to  excite. 

We  do  not  say  Clara  de  Haldimar  would  have  fallen 
short  of  the  high  estimate  formed  of  her  worth  by  the  friend 
of  her  brother ;  neither  is  it  to  bo  underistood.  Sir  Eve- 


rard 
the  w 
Wi 
and  h 
fair  in 
wont 
tain  it 
that  et 
should 
Charicf 
mendat 
tl:at  coi 


pride,  ti 

having 

less  deli 

have  coi 

wishes,  \ 

viously  1 

serve  on 

an  only  c 

which  he 

of  a  largi 

litile  bey( 

ted  to  hci 

mar  was 

life  with  1 

— advantii 

eldest  of  ' 

cured  con 

But  eve 


WACOUSTA. 


99 


; 

' 


rard  suffered  this  fair  vision  of  his  fancy  to  lead  him  into 
tlie  wild  and  labyrinthian  paths  of  boyish  romance. 

Whatever  were  the  impressions  of  the  young  baronet, 
and  liowever  he  might  have  been  inclined  to  suffer  the 
fair  image  of  the  gentle  Clara,  such  as  he  was  perhaps 
wont  to  paint  it,  to  exercise  its  spell  upon  his  fancy,  cer- 
tain it  is,  ho  never  expressed  to  her  brother  more  than 
that  esteem  and  interest  which  it  was  but  natural  he 
should  accord  to  the  sister  of  his  friend.  Neither  had 
Charles  de  Haldimar,  even  amid  all  his  warmth  of  com- 
mendation, ever  made  the  slightest  allusion  to  his  sister, 
that  could  be  construed  into  a  desire  she  should  awaken 
any  unusual  or  extraordinary  sentiment  of  preference. 
Much  and  fervently  as  he  desired  such  an  event,  there 
was  an  innate  sense  of  decorum,  and  it  may  be  secret 
pride,  that  caused  him  to  abstain  from  any  obseivation 
having  the  remotest  tendency  to  compromise  the  spot- 
less delicacy  of  his  adored  sister ;  and  such  he  would 
have  considered  any  expression  of  his  own  hopes  and 
wishes,  where  no  declaration  of  preference  had  been  pre- 
viously made.  There  was  anolher  motive  for  this  re- 
serve on  the  part  of  the  young  officer.  The  baronet  was 
an  only  child,  and  would,  on  attaining  his  inajority,  of 
which  he  wanted  only  a  few  months,  become  f.i.'  possessor 
of  a  large  fortune.  His  sister  Clara,  on  the  contrary,  had 
Utile  beyond  her  own  fair  fame  and  the  beauty  transmit- 
ted to  her  by  the  mother  she  had  lost.  Colonel  de  Haldi- 
mar was  a  younger  son,  and  had  made  his  way  through 
life  with  his  sword,  and  an  unblemished  reputation  alone 
—advantages  he  had  shared  with  his  children,  for  the  two 
eldest  of  whom  his  interest  and  long  services  had  pro- 
cured commissions  in  his  own  regiment. 

But  even  while  (vharles  de  Haldimar  abstained  from  all 


iff.',;**',*.  ;:  V  S 


'r'^ 


*.•■•'.  .'•■'Ji' '■;>-' 'rii 


h'- 


....   ■'.T-'ifri 


Hmm 


r '  • 

I 


.|;i' 


I*.  ■■! 


ij    ■! ; ' 


' '    ,.■  I  •    f 


'f     it 

.',.• 

•':            ^     ,       ■     ,     '     .,1..     ■ 

- 1 

■  ■ 

'    '  '">f 

;j'-  -rl 

;;:;   ■   ■:      :;■.-. 

■  ■^i":f 

% 

100 


WAC0U8TA. 


expression  of  his  hopes,  he  had  fully  made  up  his  mind 
that  Sir  Everard  and  his  sister  were  so  formed  for  each 
other,  it  was  next  to  an  impossibility  they  could  meet 
without  loving.  In  one  of  his  letters  to  the  latter,  he  had 
alluded  to  his  friend  in  terms  of  so  high  and  earnest  pane, 
gyric,  that  Clara  had  acknowledged,  in  reply,  she  was 
prepared  to  find  in  the  young  baronet  one  whom  she 
should  regard  with  partiality,  if  it  were  only  on  account 
of  the  friendship  subsisting  between  him  and  her  brother. 
This  admission,  however,  was  communicated  in  conii. 
dencc,  and  the  young  officer  had  religiously  preserved 
his  sister^s  secret. 

These  and  fifty  other  recollections  now  crowded  on  tlie 
mind  of  the  sufferer,  only  to  render  the  intensity  of  his 
anguish  more  complete ;  among  the  bitterest  of  which 
was  the  certainty  that  the  mysterious  events  of  the  past 
night  had  raised  up  an  insuperable  barrier  to  this  union; 
for  how  could  Clara  de  Haldimar  become  the  wife  of  him 
whose  hands  were,  however  innocently,  stained  with  the 
life-blood  of  her  brother !  To  dwell  on  this,  and  the  loss 
of  that  brother,  was  little  short  of  madness,  and  yet  De 
Haldimar  could  think  of  nothing  else ;  nor  for  a  period 
could  the  loud  booming  of  the  cannon  fi'om  the  ramparts, 
every  report  of  which  shook  his  chamber  to  its  very 
foundations,  call  off  his  attention  from  a  subject  whicii, 
while  it  pained,  engrossed  every  faculty  and  absorbed 
every  thought.  At  length,  towards  the  close,  he  called 
faintly  to  the  old  and  faithful  soldier,  who,  at  the  foot  of 
the  bed,  stood  watching  every  change  of  his  master's 
countenance,  to  know  the  cause  of  the  cannonade.  On 
being  informed  the  batteries  in  the  rear  were  covering  the 
retreat  of  Captain  Erskine,  who,  in  his  attempt  to  obtain 
the  body,  had  been  surprised  by  the  Indians,  a  new  di- 


WACOUSTA. 


101 


rection  was  temporarily  given  to  his  thoughts,  and  he 
now  manifested  the  utmost  impatience  to  know  the  result. 

In  a  few  minutes  Morrison,  who,  in  defiance  of  the 
surgeon's  strict  order  not  on  any  account  to  quit  the 
room,  had  flown  to  obtain  some  intelligence  which  he 
trusted  might  remove  the  anxiety  of  his  suflTering  mas- 
ter, again  made  his  appearance,  stating  the  corpse  was 
already  secured,  and  close  under  the  guns  of  the  fort,  be- 
neath which  the  detachment,  though  hotly  assailed  from 
the  forest,  were  also  fast  retreating. 

"And  is  it  really  my  brother,  Morrison?  Are  you 
quite  certain  that  it  is  Captain  de  Haldimar  ?"  asked  the 
young  officer,  in  the  eager  accents  of  one  who,  with  the 
fullest  conviction  on  his  mind,  yet  grasps  at  the  faintest 
shadow  of  a  consoling  doubt.  "  Tell  me  that  it  is  not  my 
brother,  and  half  of  what  I  possess  in  the  world  shall  be 
yours." 

The  old  soldier  brushed  a  tear  from  his  eye.  "  God 
bless  you,  Mr.  de  Haldimar,  I  would  give  half  my  grey 
iiairs  to  be  able  to  do  so ;  but  it  is,  indeed,  too  truly  the 
captain  who  has  been  killed.  I  saw  the  very  wings  of 
his  regimentals  as  he  lay  on  his  face  on  the  litter." 

Charles  de  Haldimar  groaned  aloud.  "  Oh  God !  oh 
God  I  would  I  had  never  lived  to  see  this  day."  Then 
springing  suddenly  up  in  his  bed — "  Morrison  where  are 
my  clothes  ?  I  insist  on  seeing  my  slaughtered  brother 
myself." 

"  Good  Heaven,  sir,  consider,"  said  the  old  man  ap- 
proaching the  bed,  and  attempting  to  replace  the  cover- 
ing which  had  been  spurned  to  its  very  foot, — "  consider 
you  are  in  a  burning  fever,  and  the  slightest  cold  may 
kill  you  altogether.  The  doctor's  orders  are,  you  were 
on  no  account  to  get  up."    The  effort  made  by  the  un- 

9* 


'I 


^-•••''v! 


5,  ;:f  :.'■   '  J 


..■  ■■•1 


It  ■■ 

lii     t       !  ■  ''■■ 
r  1^1    .■■» 


102 


WACOUSTA. 


■•    ■ 


■I'.i 


'■■•i' 

:ii| 

1 

■;'* 

;  ■  • 

'.1 

1   ■  ^ 

1 

"\: 


...  .m 


'  T  '  <! 


M 


;!'  1  ^i     ;i  lit', 


fortunate  youth  was  momentary.  Faint  from  the  blood 
he  had  lost,  and  giddy  from  the  excitement  of  his  feel- 
ings,  he  sank  back  exhausted  on  his  pillow,  and  wept 
like  a  child. 

Old  Morrison  shed  tears  also ;  for  his  heart  bled  for 
the  sufferings  of  one  whom  he  had  nursed  and  played 
with  even  in  early  infancy,  and  whom,  although  his  mas- 
ter, he  regarded  with  the  affection  he  would  have  borne 
to  his  own  child.  As  he  had  justly  observed,  he  would 
have  willingly  given  half  his  remaining  years  to  be  able 
to  remove  the  source  of  the  sorrow  which  so  deeply  op. 
pressed  him. 

When  this  violent  paroxysm  had  somewhat  subsided,  De 
Haldimar  became  more  composed;  but  his  was  rather  that 
composure  which  grows  out  of  the  apathy  produced  by 
overwhelming  grief,  than  the  result  of  any  relief  afforded 
to  his  suffering  heart  by  the  tears  he  had  shed.  He  had 
continued  some  time  in  this  faint  and  apparently  tran- 
quil state,  when  confused  sounds  in  the  barrack-yard,  fol- 
lowed by  the  raising  of  the  heavy  drawbridge,  announced 
the  return  of  the  detachment.  Again  he  started  up  in 
his  bed  and  demanded  his  clothes,  declaring  his  intention 
to  go  out  and  receive  the  corpse  of  his  murdered  brotlier. 
All  opposition  on  the  part  of  the  faithful  Morrison  was 
now  likely  to  prove  fruitless,  when  suddenly  the  door 
opened,  and  an  officer  burst  hurriedly  into  the  room. 

"  Courage !  courage  !  my  dear  De  Haldimar ;  I  am 
the  bearer  of  good  news.  Your  brother  is  not  the  person 
who  has  been  slain." 

Again  De  Haldimar  sank  back  upon  his  pillow,  over- 
come by  a  variety  of  conflicting  emotions.  A  moment  af- 
terwards,  and  he  exclaimed  reproachfully,  yet  almost 
gasping  with  the  eagerness  of  his  manner, — 


*■  i'i 


WACOITSTA. 


103 


"  For  God's  sake,  Sumncrs — in  the  name  of  common 
humanity,  do  not  trifle  with  my  feelings.  If  you  would 
seek  to  lull  mc  with  false  hopes,  you  are  wrongf.  I  am 
prepared  to  hear  and  bear  the  worst  at  present ;  but  to 
be  undeceived  again  would  break  my  heart." 

"  I  swear  to  you  by  every  thing  I  have  been  taught  to 
revere  as  saered,"  solemnly  returned  Ensign  Sumners, 
deeply  touched  by  the  affliction  he  witnessed,  "  what  I 
slate  is  strictly  true.  Captain  Erskine  himself  sent  me 
to  tell  you." 

"What,  is  he  only  wounded  then  ?"  and  a  glow  of 
mingled  hope  and  satisfaction  was  visible  even  through 
tlie  flush  of  previous  excitement  on  the  cheek  of  the  suf- 
ferer. "  Quick,  Morrison,  give  me  my  clothes.  Where 
is  my  brother,  Sumners  ?"  and  again  he  raised  up  his 
debilitated  frame  with  the  intention  of  quitting  his 
couch. 

"  De  Haldimar,  my  dear  De  Haldimar,  compose  your- 
self, and  listen  to  me.  Your  brother  is  still  missing,  and  we 
are  as  much  in  the  dark  about  his  fate  as  ever.  All  that 
is  certain  is,  we  have  no  positive  knowledge  of  his  death ; 
but  surely  that  is  a  thousand  times  preferable  to  the 
iiorrid  apprehensions  under  which  we  have  all  hitherto 
laboured." 

"What  mean  you,  Sumners  ?  or  am  I  so  bewildered 
by  my  sufferings  as  not  to  comprehend  you  clearly  ? — 
Nay,  nay,  forgive  me ;  but  I  am  almost  heart-broken  at 
this  loss,  and  scarcely  know  what  I  say.  But  what  is 
it  you  mean?     I  saw  my  unhappy  brother  lying  on  the 

common  with  my  own  eyes.  Poor  Valletort  himself " 

here  a  rush  of  bitter  recollections  flashed  on  the  memory 
of  the  young  man,  and  the  tears  coursed  each  other  ra- 
pidly down  his  cheek.    His  emotion  lasted  for  a  few  mo- 


•/'.■■     •'^'^ 


''\ 


ff 


IK  '?ii 


m-^^^' 


■'  •■-•!  r ... 


'•  " 


:!!■ 


L  •• !  li  i 


:|" 


I.    '? 


J  *  ^  SB  1     ' 


„', 4    "■ 


104 


WACOUSTA. 


ments,  and  he  pursued, — ^"Poor  Valletort  himself  saw 
him,  for  he  was  nearly  as  much  overwhelmed  with  afflic- 
tion as  I  was ;  and  even  Morrison  beheld  him  also,  not 
ten  minutes  since,  under  the  very  walls  of  the  fort ;  nay, 
distinguished  the  wings  of  his  uniform :  and  yet  you 
would  persuade  me  my  brother,  instead  of  being  brought 
in  a  corpse,  is  still  missing  and  alive.  This  is  little  better 
than  trifling  with  my  wretchedness,  Sumners,"  and  again 
he  sank  back  exhausted  on  his  pillow. 

"I  can  ayily  forgive  your  doubts,  De  Haldimar,"  re- 
turned the  sympathising  Sumners,  taking  the  hand  of 
his  companion,  and  pressing  it  gently  in  his  own ;  "  for, 
in  truth,  there  is  a  great  deal  of  mystery  attached  to  llie 
whole  affair.  I  have  not  seen  the  body  myself;  but  I 
distinctly  heard  Captain  Erskine  state  it  certainly  was 
not  your  brother,  and  he  requested  me  to  apprise  both  Sir 
Everard  Valletort  and  yourself  of  the  fact." 

"  Who  is  the  murdered  man,  then  ?  and  how  comes  he 
to  be  clad  in  the  uniform  of  one  of  our  officers  ?  Pshaw ! 
it  is  too  absurd  to  be  credited.  Erskine  is  mistaken— he 
must  be  mistaken — it  can  be  no  other  than  my  poor  bro- 
ther Frederick.  Sumners,  I  am  sick,  faint,  with  this 
cruel  uncertainty:  go,  my  dear  fellow,  at  once,  and  ex- 
amine  the  body;  then  return  to  me,  and  satisfy  my 
doubts,  if  possible." 

"  Most  willingly,  if  you  desire  it,"  returned  Sumners, 
moving  towards  the  door;  "but  believe  me,  De  Haldimar. 
you  may  make  your  mind  tranquil  on  the  subject— 
Erskine  s))oke  with  certainty." 

"  Have  you  seen  Valletort  ?"  asked  De  Haldimar, 
while  an  involuntary  shudder  pervaded  his  frame. 

"  I  have.    He  flew  on  the  instant  to  make  further  en 
quirics;  and  was  in  the  act  of  troinnr  to  examine  the  body 


of  the 
bimsc 
thing 

moved 

rushin« 

tended 

"Ah 

De  Ha 

and  gra 

bjng  an 

Sumn 

Sir  Evei 

whole  b( 

that  8\ihi 

Wesh 

the  frien( 

terview  v 

the  delig 

lated  then 

rcahsed,  ] 

their  lives 

With  t 

and  suscc 

snliIc^,  as 

prompt,  tb 

sight  of  tl 

tiiat  his  ac 

llie  melan( 

Charles  de 

and  yet  iiii 

woman,  ra 

arduous  pi 


■',  I 


^m'M^ 


WACOUSTA. 


105 


mes  he 
*shaw ! 

1 

en— he 

lor  bro- 

1 

Lh  this 

> 

Lnd  ex- 

•? 

Ify  my 

1 

■nncrs, 

.       1 

Idimar. 

1 

icct- 

1 

himnr, 

■        1 

Her  cn- 

B^ 

Ibody 

B9 

of  tlic  murdered  man  when  I  came  here.  But  here  he  is 
himself,  and  his  countenance  is  the  harbinger  of  any 
tiling  but  a  denial  of  my  intelligence." 

"  Oh,  Charles,  what  a  weight  of  misery  has  been  re- 
moved from  my  heart!"  exclaimed  tbat  officer,  now 
rushing  to  the  bedside  of  his  friend,  and  seizing  his  ex- 
tended hand, — "  Your  brother,  let  us  hope,  still  lives." 

"  Almighty  God,  I  thank  thee !"  fervently  ejaculated 
De  Haldinmr;  and  then,  overcome  with  joy,  surprise, 
and  gratitude,  he  again  sank  back  upon  his  pillow,  sob- 
bing and  weeping  violently. 

Sumners  had,  with  delicate  tact,  retired  the  moment 
Sir  Everard  made  his  appearance :  for  he,  as  well  as  the 
whole  body  of  officers,  was  aware  of  the  close  friendship 
that  subsisted  between  the  young  men. 

We  shall  not  attempt  to  paint  all  that  parsed  between 
the  friends  during  the  first  interesting  moments  of  an  in- 
terview which  neither  had  expected  to  enjoy  again,  or 
the  delight  and  satisfaction  with  which  they  congratu- 
lated themselves  on  the  futility  of  those  fears,  which,  if 
realised,  must  have  embittered  every  future  moment  of 
their  lives  with  the  most  harrowing  recollections. 

With  that  facility  with  which  in  youth  the  generous 
and  susceptible  are  prone  to  exchange  their  tears  for 
smilet;,  as  some  powerful  motive  for  the  reaction  may 
prompt,  the  invalid  had  already,  and  for  the  moment,  lost 
sight  of  the  painful  past  in  the  plcasurcable  present,  so 
that  his  actual  excitement  was  strongly  in  contrast  with 
the  melancholy  he  had  so  recently  exhibited.  Never  had 
Charles  dc  Ilaldimar  appeared  so  eminently  handsome ; 
and  yet  his  beauty  rci^cinblcd  that  of  a  frail  and  delicate 
woman,  rather  than  that  of  one  called  to  the  manly  and 
arduous  profession  of  a  soldier.    The  large,  blue,  long, 


■*#i^:';fil 


'Mi 


',    1-f 


,1 

.''.V 


-ni 


m  •■■ 
lit    , . ' 


■■('■' 


c- 


4       Ut|' 


I- 


■A 


106 


WACOUSTA. 


dark-Iashed  eye,  in  which  a  shade  of  languor  harmonised 
with  the  soft  but  animated  expression  of  the  whole  coun. 
tenance, — the  dimpled  mouth, — the  small,  clear,  and  even 
teeth, — all  these  now  characterised  Charles  de  Haldimar ; 
and  if  to  these  we  add  a  voice  rich,  full,  and  melodious, 
and  a  smile  sweet  and  fascinating-,  we  shall  be  at  no  loss 
to  account  for  the  readiness  witli  which  Sir  Everard  suf. 
fered  his  imagination  to  draw  on  the  brother  for  those 
attributes  he  ascribed  to  the  sister. 

It  was  while  this  impression  was  strong  upon  his 
fancy,  he  took  occasion  to  remark,  in  reply  to  an  obser. 
vation  of  De  Haldimar's,  alluding  to  the  despair  with 
which  his  sister  would  have  been  seized,  had  she  known 
one  brother  had  fallen  by  the  hand  of  the  friend  of  the 
other. 

"  The  grief  of  my  own  heart,  Charles,  on  this  occasion, 
would  have  been  little  inferior  to  her  own.  The  truth  is, 
my  feelings  during  the  last  three  hours  have  let  me  into 
a  secret,  of  the  existence  of  which  I  was,  in  a  great  dc 
gree,  ignorant  until  then :  I  scarcely  know  how  to  ex- 
press  myself,  for  the  communication  is  so  truly  absurd 
and  romantic  you  will  not  credit  it."  He  paused,  hesi- 
tated, and  then,  as  if  determined  to  anticipate  the  ridicule 
he  seemed  to  feel  would  be  attached  to  his  confession, 
with  a  forced  half  laugh  pursued  :  "  The  fact  is,  Charles, 
I  have  been  so  much  used  to  listen  to  your  warm  and 
eloquent  praises  of  your  sister,  I  have  absolutely,  I  will 
not  say  fallen  in  love  with  (that  would  be  going  too  far), 
but  conceived  so  strong  an  interest  in  her,  that  my  most 
ardent  desire  would  be  to  find  favour  in  her  eyes.  What 
say  you,  my  friend?  arc  you  inclined  to  forwnril  my 
suit ;  and  if  so,  is  there  any  chance  for  me,  think  yoii, 
with  herself?" 


IS  an  a 
afTectio 
one  wh 
without 
prize, — 
—yours 
each  otl 
have  hit 
of  my  h 
fear  of  i 
Now,  lio 
ijy  a  cles( 
that  dear 
and  deli 
"  there  is 
I  so  much  i 
d  will,  you 
I      If  the 

:  '"ippy,Si 

«'nthusiasi 

himself  tl] 

I  hat  had  & 

A  sing 


!,,   I' 


'*f; 


'■  ■  ■    t    ' 

I  .{'^^ 

i.  i  r 

I'ii 

W  ■■  "! 

i  Wit 

l-'i': 

j  m|. 

uyi 

[g 

n 

;«>: 


WACOUSTA. 


107 


Tlie  breast  of  Charles  de  Haldimar,  who  had  listened 
witli  deep  and  increasing  attention  to  this  avowal,  swelled 
hiffh  with  pleasureable  excitement,  and  raising  himself 
up  in  his  bed  with  one  hand,  while  he  grasped  one  of  Sir 
Everard's  with  the  other,  he  exclaimed  with  a  transport 
of  aftection  too  forcible  to  be  controlled, — 

"  Oh,  Valletort,  Valletort !  this  is,  indeed,  all  that  was 
wanting  to  complete  my  happiness.  My  sister  Clara  I 
adore  with  all  the  affection  of  my  nature ;  I  love  her  bet- 
ter tlian  my  own  life,  which  is  wrapped  up  in  hers.  She 
is  an  angel  in  disposition, — all  that  is  dear,  tender,  and 
affectionate, — all  that  is  gentle  and  lovely  in  woman; 
one  whose  welfare  is  dearer  far  to  me  than  my  own,  and 
witliout  whose  presence  I  could  not  live.  Valletort,  that 
prize, — that  treasure,  that  dearer  half  of  myself,  is  yours, 
—yours  for  ever.  I  have  long  wished  you  should  love 
each  other,  and  I  felt,  when  you  met,  you  would.  If  I 
have  hitlierto  forborne  from  expressing  this  fondest  wish 
of  my  heart,  it  has  been  from  delicacy — from  a  natural 
fear  of  compromising  the  purity  of  my  adored  Clara. 
Now,  however,  you  have  confessed  yourself  interested, 
by  a  description  that  falls  far  short  of  the  true  merit  of 
that  dear  girl,  I  can  no  longer  disguise  my  gratification 
and  delight.  Valletort,"  he  concluded,  impressively, 
"  there  is  no  other  man  on  earth  to  whom  I  would  say 
so  much ;  but  you  were  formed  for  each  other,  and  you 
will,  you  must,  be  the  husband  of  my  sister." 

If  the  youthful  and  affectionate  De  Haldimar  was 
happy,  Sir  Everard  was  no  less  so ;  for  already,  with  tlie 
enthusiasm  of  a  young  man  of  twenty,  he  painted  to 
himself  the  entire  fruition  of  those  dreams  of  happiness 
ihat  had  so  long  been  famiUarised  to  his  imagination. 

A  single  knock  was  now  heard  at  the  door  of  the 


f^'\^'^i-^'v,  ■■mm 


V 


I'fl 


I 


mm 


*-'.ik  v.. 


J-' '-:  h ':;■'.: 

f //k -.:/•'•  ^■ 

'■  ,  •     ,:f  .  : 

i-'^'y'^'^r'. 

|i|''"v':r^' 

:;;■-:■: 

, 

;  1*     ■^■'I'l 

. 

:-' 

■'' 

1 

1  1 

,  1 
I 
i  > 

.  ,  ;:;.! 'iJ.'.- 
,.'  ■  i  I  i  r\f'.  ],. 

i,         I'  I       Hi      '•    :  f 

H  It-    hi'-         ■ 


m  :i^  ■  •  lit  ft 


h 


108 


WACOUSTA. 


apartment ;  it  was  opened,  and  a  sergeant  appeared  at 
the  entrance. 

"  The  company  are  mider  arms  for  punishment  parade, 
Lieutenant  Valletort,"  said  the  man,  touching  his  cap. 

In  an  instant,  the  visionary  prospects  of  the  young 
men  gave  place  to  the  stern  realities  connected  with  tliat 
announcement  of  punishment.  The  treason  of  Halloway, 
— the  absence  of  Frederick  de  Haldimar, — the  dangers 
by  which  they  were  beset, — and  the  little  present  proba. 
bilily  of  a  re-union  with  those  who  were  most  dear  to 
them, — all  these  recollections  now  flashed  across  their 
minds  with  the  rapidity  of  thought;  and  the  conversation 
that  had  so  recently  passed  between  them  seemed  to  leave 
no  other  impression  than  what  is  produced  from  some  vi. 
sionary  speculation  of  the  moment. 


red  at  , 

I. 

tarade, 
cap. 
young 
th  tliat 
lloway, 
langers 
proba- 
dear  to 
ss  their  ; 
3rsation  | 
to  leave 
some  vi. 


WACOUSTA. 


109 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


As  the  bells  of  the  fort  tolled  the  tenth  hour  of  morn* 
111"-,  the  groups  of  dispersed  soldiery,  warned  by  the  roll- 
ing of  the  assembly  drum,  once  more  fell  into  their  re- 
spective ranks  in  tlie  order  described  in  the  opening  of 
this  volume.  Soon  afterwards  the  prisoner  Halloway 
was  reconducted  into  the  square  by  a  strong  escort,  who 
took  their  stations  as  before  in  the  immediate  centre, 
where  the  former  stood  principally  conspicuous  to  tlie 
observation  of  his  comrades.  His  countenance  was  paler, 
and  had  less,  perhaps,  of  the  indifterence  he  had  pre- 
viously manifested ;  but  to  supply  this  there  was  a  certain 
subdued  air  of  calm  dignity,  and  a  composure  that  sprang, 
doubtless,  from  the  consciousness  of  the  new  character  in 
wliich  he  now  appeared  before  his  superiors.  Colonel  de 
HaJdimar  almost  immediately  followed,  and  with  him 
were  the  principal  staff  of  the  garrison,  all  of  whom,  with 
the  exception  of  the  sick  and  wounded  and  their  attend- 
ants, were  present  to  a  man.  The  former  took  from  the 
liands  of  the  adjutant,  Lawson,  a  large  packet,  consisting 
of  several  sheets  of  folded  paper  closely  written  upon. 
Tlicsc  were  the  proceedings  of  the  court  martial. 

After  enumerating  the  several  charges,  and  detailing 
the  evidence  of  the  witnesses  examined,  the  governor 
came  at  length  to  the  finding  and  sentence  of  the  court, 
which  were  as  follows : — 

VOL.  I. — 10 


,•?'■ ,  '  '''■^■:  '''■'.'♦11 

V  v  ■''  ■•  ■■     ■•  ■•:■•  ^'fl 
;:■■'';■  J4- 5, 


■  s 


i 

.'"  ;''*».• 

t 

•;  '■'V-,}'1 
•"''■^J'Ji' 

'  }  <  •'  ;i 

' ,'     ' '  1 

'  1    ■  •   .V 

■1 


I'-k;-.'  '. 


%\,'J  :\    ' 4-    '  ;.? 


r■/t^n, 


Ii!,.  jr^ !' I '■'■-■  ■ 


r; 


H  ;.:■■ 


'  r  ■    ■ »    ■  ., 


,i*"i 


«f^M     : 


no 


WACOUSTA. 


"  The  court  having  duly  considered  the  evidence  ad- 
duced  against  the  prisoner  private  Frank  Halloway,  to- 
gether with  what  he  has  urged  in  his  defence,  arc  of 
opinion, — 

"  That  with  regard  to  the  first  charge,  it  is  not  proved, 

"  That  with  regard  to  tlic  second  charge,  it  is  not 
proved. 

"  Tliat  with  regard  to  the  third  charge,  even  by  liis 
own  vohintary  confession,  the  prisoner  is  guilty, 

"  Tlie  court  liaving  found  the  prisoner  private  Frani 
Halloway  guilty  of  the  third  charge  preferred  against 
him,  which  is  in  direct  violation  of  a  standing  order  of 
the  garrison  entailing  capital  punishment,  do  hereby 
sentence  him,  the  said  prisoner,  private  Frank  Halloway, 
to  be  shot  to  death  at  such  time  and  place  as  the  officer 
commanding  may  deem  fit  to  appoint." 

Although  the  utmost  order  pervaded  the  ranks,  every 
breath  had  been  suspended,  every  ear  stretched  during 
the  reading  of  the  sentence ;  and  now  that  it  came  ar- 
rayed in  terror  and  in  blood,  every  glance  was  turned  in 
pity  on  its  unhappy  victim.  But  Halloway  heard  it  witli 
the  ears  of  one  who  has  made  up  his  mind  to  suffer; 
and  the  faint  half  smile  that  played  upon  his  lip  spoivc  | 
more  in  scorn  than  in  sorrow.    Colonel  de  Haldimar  \ 

pursued:-  ....  I 

"  The  court  having  found  it  imperatively  incumbent  I 
on  them  to  award  the  punishment  of  death  to  tlie  pri- 1 
soncr,  private  Frank  Halloway,  at  the  same  time  gladly  | 
avail  themselves   of  their  privilege  by  strongly  recoiii 
mending  him  to  mercy.     The  court  cannot,  in  justice  to 
tlie  character  of  the  prisoner,  refrain  from  expressing  tiieir 
unanimous  conviction,  that  notwithstanding  the  myste- 
rious circumstances  which  have  led  to  his  confinement 


WACOUSTA. 


Ill 


and  trial,  he  is  entirely  innocent  of  the  treachery  ascribed 
to  him.  The  court  have  founded  this  conviction  on  the 
excellent  character,  both  on  duty  and  in  the  field,  hitherto 
borne  by  the  prisoner, — his  well  known  attachment  to 
the  officer  with  whose  abduction  he  stands  charged, — 
and  the  manly,  open,  and  (as  the  court  are  satisfied)  cor- 
rect history  given  of  his  former  life.  It  is,  moreover,  the 
impression  of  the  court,  that,  as  stated  by  the  prisoner, 
his  guilt  on  the  third  charge  has  been  the  result  only  of 
his  attachment  for  Captain  de  Haldimar.  And  for  this, 
and  the  reasons  above  assigned,  do  they  strongly  recom- 
n?cnd  the  prisoner  to  mercy. 

(Signed)  "  Noel  Blessington, 

Captain  and  President. 

"  Sentence  approved  and  confirmed. 

*'  Charles  de  Haldimar, 

Colonel  Commandant." 

While  these  concluding  remarks  of  the  court  were  be- 
ing read,  the  prisoner  manifested  the  deepest  emotion.  If 
a  smile  of  scorn  had  previously  played  upon  his  lip,  it 
was  because  he  fancied  the  court,  before  whom  he  had 
sought  to  vindicate  his  fame,  had  judged  him  with  a 
severity  not  inferior  to  his  colonel's ;  but  now  that,  in 
the  presence  of  his  companions,  he  heard  the  flattering 
attestation  of  his  services,  coupled  even  as  it  was  with 
the  sentence  that  condemned  him  to  die,  tears  of  gratitude 
and  pleasure  rose  despite  of  himself  to  his  eyes ;  and  it 
required  all  his  self-command  to  enable  liim  to  abstain 
from  giving  expression  to  his  feelings  towards  those  who 
had  so  generously  interpreted  the  motives  of  his  derelic- 
tion  from  duty.    But  when  the  melancholy  and  startling 


1 1,  •   '  *«     f   V " '  tW'^  .Til 


•  1  ■ 


A.i  MTV 

■:r^i^ 

mm 

^>M 

)fj|FynL 

■)  ' 

■     ■•'■fi 

Iffifl 

■  k 

:^m 

<■■•'  ' 

.  1 

f 

^m 

i 

4' 

■'■■M 

♦,■  ■        ^1      '•■hi 


■  ':^>i 


i ' ' 


';"^*i 


■<   ''  ';■';, '■•■Oil 

i",'.  ,'V^„ 
■  ■'■   I*'  '■  p'ff^  \ 


;^i|;::'''f,^;'i^'-i;, 

!    '  '  '  I  '    '    '  i  .  I 


i>:'V,4Hi,!';:- 


■"    I    k  -I    'I  ,i:  '■    ^ 


■li' 


^;i:; 


i',  ',  ,■■::^;,t;■^- 


'li  if'^ii" 


IM     I 


*  ;<M  'Hi 


112 


WACOUSTA. 


fact  of  the  approval  and  confirmation  of  the  sentence  met 
his  ear,  without  the  slightest  allusion  to  that  mercy  which 
had  been  so  urgently  recommended,  he  again  overcame 
his  weakness,  and  exhibited  his  wonted  air  of  calm  and 
unconcern. 

"  Let  the  prisoner  be  removed,  Mr.  Lawson,"  ordered 
the  governor,  whose  stern  and  somewhat  dissatisfied  ex. 
pression  of  countenance  was  the  only  comment  on  the 
recommendation  for  mercy. 

The  order  was  promptly  executed.  Once  more  Hallo. 
way  left  the  square,  and  was  reconducted  to  the  cell  he 
had  occupied  since  the  preceding  night. 

"  Major  Blackwater,"  pursued  the  governor,  "  let  a  de. 
tachment  consisting  of  one  half  the  garrison  be  got  in 
readiness  to  leave  the  fort  within  the  hour.  Captain 
Wentworth,  three  pieces  of  field  artillery  will  be  required. 
Let  them  be  got  ready  also."  He  then  retired  from  the 
area,  while  the  officers,  who  had  just  received  his  com. 
mands,  prepared  to  fulfil  the  respective  duties  assigned 
them. 

Since  the  first  alarm  of  the  garrison  no  opportunity 
had  hitherto  been  afforded  the  officers  to  snatch  the 
slightest  refreshment.  Advantage  was  now  taken  of  the 
short  interval  allowed  by  the  governor,  and  they  all  re- 
paired to  the  mess-room,  where  their  breakfast  had  long 
since  been  provided. 

"  Well,  Blessington,"  remarked  Captain  Erskine,  as 
he  filled  his  plate  for  the  third  time  from  a  large  haunch 
of  smoke-dried  venison,  for  which  his  recent  skirmish 
with  the  Indians  had  given  him  an  unusual  relish, "  so  it 
appears  your  recommendation  of  poor  Halloway  to  mercy 
is  little  likely  to  be  attended  to.  Did  you  remark  liow 
displeased  the  colonel  looked  as  he  bungled  through  it? 


%a 


WACOUSTA. 


113 


One  might  almost  be  tempted  to  think  he  had  an  interest 
in  the  man's  death,  so  determined  does  he  appear  to  carry 

his  point." 

Although  several  of  his  companions,  perhaps,  felt  and 
thought  the  same,  still  there  was  no  one  who  would  have 
ventured  to  avow  his  real  sentiments  in  so  unqualified  a 
manner.  Indeed  such  an  observation  proceeding  from 
the  lips  of  any  other  officer  would  have  excited  the  utmost 
surprise ;  but  Captain  Erskine,  a  brave,  bold,  frank,  and 
somewhat  thoughtless  soldier,  was  one  of  those  beings 
who  are  privileged  to  say  any  thing.  His  opinions  were 
usually  expressed  without  ceremony ;  and  his  speech  was 
not  the  most  circumspect  now,,  as  since  his  return  to  the 
fort  he  had  swallowed,  fasting,  two  or  three  glasses  of  a 
favourite  spirit,  which,  without  intoxicating,  had  greatly 
excited  him. 

"  I  remarked  enough,"  said  Captain  Blessington,  who 
sat  leaning  his  head  on  one  hand,  while  with  the  other 
he  occasionally,  and  almost  mechanically,  raised  a  cup 
filled  with  a  liquid  of  a  pale  blood  colour  to  his  lips, — 
"  quite  enough  to  make  me  regret  from  my  very  soul  I 
should  have  been  his  principal  judge.  Poor  Halloway,  I 
pity  him  much ;  for,  on  my  honour,  I  believe  him  to  be 
the  gentleman  he  represents  himself." 

"  A  finer  fellow  does  not  live,"  remarked  the  last  re- 
maining officer  of  the  grenadiers.  "  But  surely  Colonel 
de  Haldimar  cannot  mean  to  carry  the  sentence  into 
effect.  The  recommendation  of  a  court,  couched  in  such 
terms  as  these,  ought  alone  to  have  some  weight  with 
him." 

"  It  is  quite  clear,  from  the  fact  of  his  having  been  re- 
manded to  his  cell,  the  execution  of  the  poor  fellow  will 
Im)  deferred  at  least,"  observed  one  of  Captain  Erskinc's 

10* 


■   '    ■'■^■'''■■■Tf 


L>. 


'^'^r> 


j''Vt?!!^ 


m 


i^.V'^':!'  -^t; 


11  ■:''.*^':; 


'^' 


III: '■'■;■:■-•.. 
I'll  -■''■•■  :-^ 


.;.']'' 

■'M-', 


it! 


ii; 


114 


WACOUSTA. 


subalterns.  "  If  the  governor  had  intended  he  should 
suffer  immediately,  he  would  have  had  him  shot  the  mo. 
ment  after  his  sentence  was  read.  But  what  is  the 
meaning  and  object  of  this  new  sortie  ?  and  whither  arc 
we  now  going?  Do  you  know,  Captain  Erskine,  our 
company  is  again  ordered  for  this  duty?" 

"  Know  it,  Leslie !  of  course  I  do ;  and  for  that  reason 
am  I  paying  my  court  to  the  more  substantial  part  of  the 
breakfast.  Come,  Blessington,  my  dear  fellow,  you  have 
quite  lost  your  appetite,  and  we  may  have  sharp  work  be- 
fore  we  get  back.  Follow  my  example :  throw  that  nasty 
blood-thickening  sassafras  away,  and  lay  a  foundation 
from  this  venison.  None  sweeter  is  to  be  found  in  the 
forests  of  America.  A  few  slices  of  that,  and  then  a  glass 
each  of  my  best  Jamaica,  and  we  shall  have  strength  to 
go  through  the  expedition,  if  its  object  be  the  capture  of 
the  bold  Ponteac  himself." 

"  I  presume  the  object  is  rather  to  seek  for  Captain  de 
Haldimar,"  said  Lieutenant  Boyce,  the  officer  of  grena- 
diers ;  "  but  in  that  case  why  not  send  out  his  own  com- 
pany ?" 

"  Because  the  colonel  prefers  trusting  to  cooler  heads 
and  more  experienced  arms,"  good-humouredly  observed 
Captain  Erskine.  "  Blessington  is  our  senior,  and  his 
men  are  all  old  stagers.  My  lads,  too,  have  had  their 
mettle  up  already  this  morning,  and  there  is  nothing  like 
that  to  prepare  men  for  a  dash  of  enterprise.  It  is  with 
them  as  with  blood  horses,  the  more  you  put  them  on 
their  speed  the  less  anxious  are  they  to  quit  the  course. 
Well,  Johnstone,  my  brave  Scot,  ready  for  another  skir- 
mish  ?"  he  asked,  as  that  officer  now  entered  to  satisfy 
the  cravings  of  an  appetite  little  inferior  to  that  of  his 
captain. 


\r  lieads 

(bserved 

land  his 

id  their 

^ng  like 

is  with 

lem  on 

course, 

jr  skir- 

satisfy 

of  his 


WACOUSTA. 


115 


**  With  '  Nunquam  non  paratus'  for  my  motto,"  gaily 
returned  the  young  man,  "  it  were  odd,  indeed,  if  a  mere 
scratch  like  this  should  prevent  me  from  establishing  my 
claim  to  it  by  following  wherever  my  gallant  captain 

leads." 

"  Most  courteously  spoken,  and  little  in  the  spirit  of 
a  man  yet  smarting  under  the  infliction  of  a  rifle  wound, 
it  must  be  confessed,"  remarked  Lieutenant  Leslie. 
"  But,  Johnstone,  you  should  bear  in  mind  a  too  close 
adherence  to  that  motto  has  been,  in  some  degree,  fatal 
to  your  family." 

"  No  reflections,  Leslie,  if  you  please,"  returned  his 
brother  subaltern,  slightly  reddening.  "  If  the  head  of 
our  family  was  unfortunate  enough  to  be  considered  a 
traitor  to  England,  he  was  not  so,  at  least  to  Scotland ; 
and  Scotland  was  the  land  of  his  birth.  But  let  his  po- 
litical errors  be  forgotten.  Though  the  winged  spur  no 
lonorer  adorn  the  booted  heel  of  an  earl  of  Annandale, 
the  time  may  not  be  far  distant  when  some  liberal  and 
popular  monarch  of  England  shall  restore  a  title  forfeit- 
ed neither  through  cowardice  nor  dishonour,  but  from 
an  erroneous  sense  of  duty." 

"That  is  to  say,"  muttered  Ensign  Del  me,  looking 
round  for  approval  as  he  spoke,  "  that  our  present  king 
is  neither  liberal  nor  popular.  Well,  Mr.  Johnstone, 
were  such  an  observation  to  reach  the  ears  of  Colonel 
de  Haldimar  you  would  stand  a  very  fair  chance  of  being 
brought  to  a  court  martial." 

"  That  is  to  say  nothing  of  the  kind,  sir,"  somewhat 
fiercely  retorted  the  young  Scot ;  "  but  any  thing  I  do 
say  you  are  at  liberty  to  repeat  to  Colonel  de  Haldimar, 
or  whom  you  will.  I  cannot  understand,  Leslie,  why 
you  should  have  made  any  allusion  to  the  misfortunes 


■''■    •■'■.■"/a 


^''^MM 


u.'" 


'^■y' 

'•f,.-: 


■"  1.;^  • 


hK 


!M 


I : ;:» ■ 


?:;  ■■•■'!,  •■■■  ■(. 

If       .'      i.r 

'';   ■:;':IK'.; 


•    1 


|l    .,;n';,i  I  rvi      !  I 


I  '1    '  t   '  I  ■■ 

Mi  ..    ,  '  I  u  ;  ;    ' 


,     I, 


i  'I 


;ii  .1  > 


i       I 


I  ,1    >   I   !    I     .-HI.),     1   . 


■  I'l 


■i  i-rri'fi: 

i  :'  nil    ■.*•;"■!■ 


..  i  :'  i  ;! 


f'i'f!  i." 


f 

■PI; 


I 


:« 


116 


WACOUSTA. 


of  my  family  at  this  particular  moment^  arid  in  this  pub- 
lic manner.  I  trust  it  was  not  with  a  view  to  offend 
me;"  and  he  fixed  his  large  black  eyes  upon  his  brother 
subaltern,  as  if  he  would  have  read  every  thought  of 
his  mind. 

"Upon  my  honour,  Johnstone,  I  meant  nothing  of  the 
kind,"  frankly  returned  Leslie.  "I  merely  meant  to  hint 
that  as  you  had  had  your  share  of  service  this  morning-, 
you  might,  at  least,  have  suffered  me  to  borrow  your 
spurs,  while  you  reposed  for  the  present  on  your  laurels." 

"  There  are  my  gay  and  gallant  Sects,"  exclaimed 
Captain  Erskine,  as  he  swallowed  off  a  glass  of  the  old 
Jamaica  which  lay  before  him,  and  with  which  he 
usually  neutralised  the  acidities  of  a  meat  breakfast. 
**  Settled  like  gentlemen  and  lads  of  spirit,  as  ye  are," 
he  pursued,  as  the  young  men  cordially  shook  each 
other's  hand  across  the  table.  "  What  an  enviable  com- 
mand is  mine,  to  have  a  company  of  brave  fellows  who 
would  face  the  devil  himself  were  it  necessary  ;  and 
two  hot  and  impatient  subs.,  who  are  ready  to  cut  each 
other*s  throat  for  the  pleasure  of  accompanying  mc 
against  a  set  of  savages  that  are  little  better  than  so 
many  devils.  Come,  Johnstone,  you  know  the  colonel 
allows  us  but  one  sub.  at  a  time,  in  consequence  of  our 
scarcity  of  officers,  therefore  it  is  but  fair  Leslie  should 
have  his  turn.  It  will  not  be  long,  I  dare  say,  before 
we  shall  have  another  brush  with  the  rascals." 

"  In  my  opinion,"  observed  Captain  Blessington,  who 
had  been  a  silent  and  thoughtful  witness  of  what  was 
passing  around  him,  "neither  Leslie  nor  Johnstone 
would  evince  so  much  anxiety,  were  they  aware  of  the 
true  nature  of  the  duty  for  which  our  companies  have 
been  ordered.    Depend  upon  it,  it  is  no  search  afler 


Captai 
^aged  ; 
on  no 
by  sen 
I  dimar, 
I      "Fai 
I  not  one 
I  My  chie' 
\  venture 
I  signed 
fat  all?" 
I     "The 
I  found  to 
I     "Psha 
vt  purpose  ? 
I  ramparts, 
whole  gat 
it  impossi 
effect,  aft( 
recoramen 
5|  proceeding 
i     Captain 
"Whatth 
S  example,  ^ 
us  the  gar 
lliroughou 
j  loway  is  n 
m  strike  terr 
tion  whicli 
j  of  the  sok 
In  this  ( 
:  and  as  tli 
■i  assume  a  c 


<"y 


WACOUSTA. 


117 


Captain  do  Haldimar  in  which  we  are  about  to  be  en- 
jyfjtred;  for  much  as  the  colonel  loves  his  son,  he  would 
on  no  account  compromise  the  safety  of  the  garrison, 
by  sending  a  party  into  the  forest,  where  poor  De  Hal- 
dimar, if  alive,  is  at  all  likely  to  be  found." 

«  F^aith  you  are  right,  Blessington ;  the  governor  is 
not  one  to  run  these  sort  of  risks  on  every  occasion. 
My  chief  surprise,  indeed,  is,  that  he  suffered  me  to 
venture  even  upon  the  common ;  but  if  we  are  not  de- 
signed for  some  hostile  expedition,  why  leave  the  fort 

at  all?" 

"  The  question  will  need  no  answer,  if  Halloway  be 
found  to  accompany  us." 

*'Psha!  why  should  Halloway  be  taken  out  for  the 
purpose  ?  If  he  be  shot  at  all,  he  will  be  shot  on  the 
ramparts,  in  the  presence  of,  and  as  an  example  to,  the 
whole  garrison.  Still,  on  reflection,  I  cannot  but  think 
it  impossible  the  sentence  should  be  carried  into  full 
effect,  after  the  strong,  nay,  the  almost  unprecedented 
recommendation  to  mercy  recorded  on  the  face  of  the 
proceedings." 

Captain  Blessington  shook  his  head  despondingly. 
"  What  think  you,  Erskine,  of  the  policy  of  making  an 
example,  which  may  be  witnessed  by  the  enemy  as  well 
as  the  garrison  ?  It  is  evident,  from  his  demeanour 
throughout,  nothing  will  convince  the  colonel  that  Hal- 
loway is  not  a  traitor,  and  he  may  think  it  advisable  to 
strike  terror  in  the  minds  of  the  savages,  by  an  execu- 
tion which  will  have  the  effect  of  showing  the  treason 
of  the  soldier  to  have  been  discovered." 

In  this  opinion  many  of  the  officers  now  concurred  ; 
and  as  the  fate  of  the  unfortunate  Halloway  began  to 
assume  a  character  of  almost  certainty,  even  the  spirit 


■■'■•' -Jmi 


'.>M.^TSi 


^p^& 


1K^>"iv 


■■■■■■  '.  XiU 

:■  T  '''■■**■• 


■-'I  'J  T 


.J.,1     .  I. , .,  . 


:i^ 


II* 


i 

""i ' 

,1    ' 


'   .  ■HI 


:!!• 


wi 


^fWl:", 


118 


WACOUSTA. 


of  the  gallant  Erskine,  the  least  subdued  by  the  recent 
distressing  events,  was  overclouded;  and  all  sank,  as  if 
by  one   consent,    into    silent   communion   with   their 
thoughts,  as  they  almost  mechanically  completed  tiie 
meal,  at  which  habit  rather  than  appetite  still  continued 
them.     Before  any  of  them  had  yet  risen  from  the  table, 
a  loud  and  piercing  scream  met  their  ears  from  without; 
and  so  quick  and  universal  was  the  movement  it  pro- 
duced, that  its  echo  had  ijcarcely  yet  died  away  in  dis- 
tance,  when  the  whole  of  the  breakfast  party  had  issued 
from  the  room,  and  were  already  spectators  of  the  cause, 
As  the  officers  now  passed  from  the  mess-room  nearly 
opposite  to  the  gate,  they  observed,  at  that  part  of  the 
barracks  which  ran  at  right  angles  with  it,  and  imme. 
diately  in  front  of  the  apartment  of  the  younger  De 
Haldimar,  whence  he  had  apparently  just  issued,  the 
governor,  struggling,  though  gently,  to  disengage  him- 
self  from  a  female,  who,  with  disordered  hair  and  dress, 
lay  almost  prostrate  upon  the  piazza,  and  clasping  his 
booted  leg  with  an  energy  evidently  borrowed  from  the 
most  rooted  despair.    The  quick  eye  of  the  haughty 
man  had  already  rested  on  the  group  of  officers  drawn 
by  the  scream  of  the  supplicant.     Numbers,  too,  of  the 
men,  attracted  by  the  same  cause,  were  collected  in 
front  of  their  respective  block-houses,  and  looking  from 
the  windows  of  the  rooms   in  which  they  were  also 
breakfasting,  preparatory  to  the  expedition.    Vexed  and 
irritated  beyond  measure,  at  being  thus  made  a  conspi- 
cuous object  of  observation  to  his  inferiors,  the  unbend- 
ing governor   made   a  violent  and  successful  otlbrt  to 
disengage  his  leg;  and  then,  without  uttering  a  word, 
or  otherwise  noticing  the  unhappy  being  who  lay  ex- 
tended at  his  feet,  ho  stalked  across  the  parade  to  iiis 


WACOUSTA. 


119 


I. ',:;<•..  ■-( 


apartments  at  the  opposite  angle,  without  appearing  to 
manifest  the  slightest  consciousness  of  the  scene  that 
had  awakened  such  universal  attention. 

Several  of  the  officers,  among  v^^hom  was  Captain  Bles- 
sington,  now  hastened  to  the  assistance  of  the  female, 
whom  all  had  recognised,  from  the  first,  to  be  the  inte- 
resting and  unhappy  wife  of  Halloway.  Many  of  the 
comrades  of  the  latter,  who  had  been  pained  and  pitying 
spectators  of  the  scene,  also  advanced  for  the  same  pur- 
pose ;  but,  on  perceiving  their  object  anticipated  by  their 
superiors,  they  withdrew  to  the  block-houses,  whence 
they  had  issued.  Never  was  grief  more  forcibly  depicted, 
than  in  the  whole  appearance  of  this  unfortunate  woman; 
never  did  anguish  assume  a  character  more  fitted  to 
touch  the  soul,  or  to  command  respect.  Her  long  fair 
hair,  tliat  had  hitherto  been  hid  under  the  coarse  mob 
cap,  usually  worn  by  the  wives  of  the  soldiers,  was  now 
divested  of  all  fastening,  and  lay  shadowing  a  white  and 
polished  bosom,  which,  in  her  violent  struggles  to  detain 
the  governor,  had  burst  fi-om  its  rude  but  modest  con- 
finement, and  was  now  displayed  in  all  the  dazzling  deli- 
cacy of  youth  and  sex.  If  the  officers  gazed  for  a  mo- 
ment with  exciicd  look  upon  charms  that  had  long  been 
strangers  to  their  sight,  and  of  an  order  they  had 
httle  deemed  to  find  in  Ellen  Halloway,  it  was  but  the 
involuntary  tribute  rendered  by  nature  unto  beauty. 
The  deptii  and  sacrcdncss  of  that  sorrow,  which  had  left 
the  wretched  woman  unconscious  of  her  exposure,  in  the 
instant  aflcrwards  imposed  a  check  upon  admiration, 
which  each  felt  to  be  a  violation  of  the  IJrst  principles  of 
human  delicacy,  and  the  feeling  was  repressed  almost  in 
the  muMient  that  gave  it  birth. 

Tiiey  were  inmiediately  in  front  of  the  room  occupied 


:•■'     IVV- 


.v.^! 


V- 


\i 


t'i  ,  r.  ■ 


120 


WACOUSTA. 


hi 


I  ''•ii;:;ii 


]■    '   '      ''■ 
I  „ 


,!  ■•< 


by  Charles  de  Haldimar,  in  the  piazza  of  which  were  a 
few  old  chairs,  on  which  the  officers  were  in  the  habit  of 
throwing-  themselves  during  the  heat  of  the  day.  On 
one  of  these  Captain  Blcsshigton,  assisted  by  the  officer 
of  grenadiers,  now  seated  the  suffering  and  sobbing  wife 
of  Halloway.  His  first  care  was  to  repair  the  disorder 
of  her  dress  ;  and  never  was  the  same  office  performed 
by  man  with  greater  delicacy,  or  absence  of  levity  by 
those  who  witnessed  it.  This  was  the  first  moment  of 
her  consciousness.  The  inviolability  of  modesty  for  a 
moment  rose  paramount  even  to  the  desolation  of  lier 
heart,  and  putting  rudely  aside  the  hand  that  reposed  un. 
avoidably  upon  her  person,  the  poor  woman  started  from 
her  seat,  and  looked  wildly  about  her,  as  if  endeavouring 
to  identify  those  by  whom  she  was  surrounded.  But 
when  she  observed  the  pitying  gaze  of  the  officers  fixed 
upon  her,  in  earnestness  and  commiseration,  and  heard 
the  benevolent  accents  of  the  ever  kind  Blessington  ex- 
hortin|rher  to  composure,  her  weeping  became  more 
violent  and  her  sobs  more  convulsive.  Captain  Blessing. 
ton  threw  an  arm  round  her  waist  to  prevent  her  from 
falling ;  and  then  motioning  to  two  or  three  women  of 
the  company  to  which  her  husband  was  attached,  who 
stood  at  a  little  distance,  in  front  of  one  of  the  block- 
houses,  prepared  to  deliver  her  over  to  their  charge. 

"  No,  no,  not  yet !"  burst  at  length  from  the  lips  of  i)ic 
agonised  woman,  as  she  shrank  from  the  ludc  but  well 
intentioned  touch  of  the  sympathising  assistants,  who 
liad  promptly  answered  the  signal ;  then,  as  if  ohtyinff 
some  new  direction  of  her  feelings,  some  new  impulse  of 
her  grief,  she  liberated  herself  from  tlie  slight  grasp  of 
Captain  Blessington,  turned  suddenly  round,  and,  before 
any  one  could  anticipate  the  movement,  entered  an  open 


he 
]i( 


ing  0 
its  ext 
inent  c 
Tlie 
follovvc 
1111  imp 
In  the 
f  the  yoi 
I   upon 
with 
\;as  nov 
in  their 
ronderet 
'„  sible  to  ( 
"Oh, 
of  God  a 
;;  troin  ma( 
,  v;  preserve 
iire  too  g( 
of  a  Jica 
;  mar,"  sli 
^  cimght  an 
I  hands,  om 
"consider 
for  your  f 
I  defence  o 
whom  aloi 
J  to  mind  th 
couch  of  SI 
i  aimed  at  i 
lVovi{lcnc( 
iiiaintive  v 
^ause  of  til 

i       VOL. 1 


:;:!  .fi 


■  ■--  y  ■  ji, '.'i  f  '■  '^ 


3vity  by 
ment  of 
ty  for  a 
L  of  her 
osed  uii- 
ted  from 
ivouring 
sd.  But 
;ers  fixed 
id  heard 
igton  ex- 
ne  more 


VVACOUSTA. 


121 


ing  on  the  piazza,  raised  the  latch  of  a  door  situated  at 
its  extremity,  and  was,  in  the  next  instant,  in  the  apart- 
ment of  the  younger  De  Haldimar. 

Tiie  scene  that  met  the  eyes  of  the  officers,  who  now 
followed  close  after  her,  was  one  well  calculated  to  make 
an  impression  on  the  hearts  even  of  the  most  insensible. 
In  tlie  despair  and  recklessness  of  her  extreme  sorrow, 
the  young  wife  of  Halloway  had  already  thrown  herself 
upon  her  knees  at  the  bed  side  of  the  sick  officer ;  and, 
witli  her  hands  upraised  and  firmly  clasped  together, 
\»as  now  supplicating  him  in  tones,  contrasting  singularly 
in  their  gentleness  with  the  depth  of  the  sorrow  that  had 
rendered  her  thus  regardless  of  appearances,  and  insen- 
iiWAc  to  observation. 

"Oh,  Mr.  de  Haldimar  !"  she  implored,  "in  the  name 
of  God  and  of  our  blessed  Saviour,  if  you  would  save  me 
from  madness,  intercede  for  my  unhappy  husband,  and 
preserve  him  from  the  horrid  fate  that  awaits  him.  You 
are  too  good,  too  gentle,  too  amiable,  to  reject  the  prayer 
uf  a  heart-broken  woman.  Moreover  Mr.  de  Haldi- 
mar," she  proceeded,  with  deeper  energy,  while  she 
caught  and  pressed,  between  her  own  white  and  bloodless 
hands,  one  nearly  as  delicate  that  lay  extended  near  her. 
"consider  all  my  dear  but  unfortunate  husband  has  done 
lor  your  family.  Think  of  the  blood  he  once  spilt  in  the 
defence  of  your  brother's  life;  that  brother,  through 
whom  alone,  oh  God !  he  is  now  condemned  to  die.  Call 
lo  mind  the  days  and  nights  of  anguish  I  passed  near  his 
<oueh  of  suffering,  when  yet  writhing  beneath  the  wound 
iiiined  at  the  life  of  Captain  do  Haldimar.  Almighty 
IVovidence !"  she  pursued,  in  the  same  impassioned  yet 
plaintive  voico,  "  why  is  not  Miss  Clara  here  to  plead  the 
nmsc  ot  the  innocent,  and  to  touch  the  stubborn  heart  of 

VOL.  1. — U 


>SA   •■■''^.'  '''■*'''■■  <•  ■ 'it^^a-am 

'■■■''''  'it-  ■'.  v^l^ii^l 


-'hi 


'     ■>■   •■■..   ^.l 


^3 '  i!. 


fA' 


■*'i 


^■^.J'^i'J 


',•'  V 


'•r..' 


«  5^ ' 


Jiin    .,'  ■  ■  ■ 


,.',     !.\    .    :,     'A 

hi            :  '  ;     :■ 

\i     ■■■'■       ■  ■      ,    ,    . 

liHjii^'-:-. 

V  :,'  -^".Vr,    ■  . 

I'  '   <  ■■.. :     , 

i"    ■   '    ■'          'i 

,;;      ,V...-|,:,j.',V" 

'    ,  ,     ...*t  ■      .    ■    * 

.  ■>     ■      1     . 

•i  .1 :     , '  "■'  1   1 

'.';,  it' 


it''^' 


■  '  ' '   f  \  '  i 

it. 

:     ^-.:h   ■' 

■B           '     ''       1 

r.!     ^ ' . 
1, 1       .  'I 


.til!  ,    \ 


Hi 


f  ;  '  "      .    ''  ■  I'  ' 

'   '    ''■  '   ;'tij--  • 


■I 


'>."■ 


mm 


122 


WACOUSTA. 


her  merciless  father  ?  She  would,  indeed,  move  heaven 
and  earth  to  save  the  life  of  him  to  whom  she  so  often 
vowed  eternal  gratitude  and  acknowledgment.  Ah,  she 
little  dreams  of  his  danger  now  ;  or,  if  prayer  and  inter. 
cession  could  avail,  my  husband  should  yet  live,  and  this 
terrible  struggle  at  my  heart  would  be  no  more." 

Overcome  by  her  emotion,  the  unfortunate  woman 
suffered  her  aching  head  to  droop  upon  the  edge  of  the 
bed,  and  her  sobbing  became  so  painfully  violent,  that  all 
who  heard  her  expected,  at  every  moment,  some  fatal 
termination  to  her  immoderate  grief.  Cliarles  de  HaJdi. 
mar  was  little  less  affected  ;  and  his  sorrow  was  the  more 
bitter,  as  he  had  just  proved  the  utter  inefficacy  of  any 
thing  in  the  shape  of  appeal  to  his  inflexible  father. 

"Mrs.  Halloway,  my  dear  Mrs.  Halloway,  compose 
yourself,"  said  Captain  Blessington,  now  approaching, 
and  endeavouring  to  raise  her  gently  from  the  floor,  ou 
which  she  still  knelt,  while  her  hands  even  more  firmly 
grasped  that  of  De  Haldimar.  "You  are  ill,  very  ill, 
and  the  consequences  of  this  dreadful  excitement  may  be 
fatal.  Be  advised  by  me,  and  retire.  I  have  desired  my 
room  to  be  prepared  for  you,  and  Sergeant  Wilmot's 
wife  shall  remain  with  you  as  long  as  you  may  require  it, 

"No,  no,  no!"  she  again  exclaimed  with  energy; 
"  what  care  I  for  my  own  wretched  life — my  beloved  and 
unhappy  husband  is  to  die.  Oh  God !  to  die  without 
guilt — to  be  cut  off  in  his  youth — to  be  shot  as  a  traitor— 
and  that  simply  for  obeying  the  wishes  of  the  officer 
whom  he  loved ! — the  son  of  the  man  who  now  spurns  all 
supplication  from  his  presence.  It  is  inhuman,  it  is  un- 
just — and  Heaven  will  punish  the  hard-hearted  man  who 
murders  him — yes,  murders  him  !  for  such  a  punishment 
for  such  an  offence  is  nothing  less  than  murder."    Agaic 


"Almij 
as  he  ma( 
of  the  uni 
comfort  t 
he  pursue 
world  to 
band, — ar 
I  do  this ; 

1  I  speak  w 
./i  with  mc,  I 

*  with  an  ei 
own  life  b 
in  vain, 
strange  a 
only  to  th 


1 


WACOUSTA. 


123 


she  wept  bitterly,  and  "as  Captain  Blessington  still  essayed 
to  soothe  and  raise  her : — "  No,  no  !  I  will  not  leave  this 
spot,"  she  continued ;  "  I  will  not  quit  the  side  of  Mr. 
de  Haldimar,  until  he  pledges  himself  to  intercede  for  my 
poor  husband.  It  is  his  duty  to  save  the  life  of  him  who 
saved  his  brother's  life ;  and  God  and  human  justice  are 
with  my  appeal.  Oh,  tell  me,  then,  Mr.  de  Haldimar, — 
if  vou  would  save  my  wretched  heart  from  breaking, — 
tell  me  you  will  intercede  for,  and  obtain  the  pardon  of 
my  husband !" 

As  she  concluded  this  last  sentence  in  passionate  ap- 
peal, she  had  risen  from  her  knees;  and,  conscious  only 
of  the  importance  of  the  boon  solicited,  now  threw  her- 
self upon  the  breast  of  the  highly  pained  and  agitated 
young  officer.  Her  long  and  beautiful  hair  fell  floating 
over  his  face,  and  mingled  with  his  own,  while  her  arms 
were  wildly  clasped  around  him,  in  all  the  energy  of  fran- 
tic and  hopeless  adjuration. 

"Almighty  God!"  exclaimed  the  agitated  young  man, 
as  he  made  a  feeble  and  fruitless  effort  to  raise  the  form 
of  the  unhappy  woman;  "what  shall  I  say  to  impart 
comfort  to  this  suffering  being?  Oh,  Mrs.  Halloway," 
he  pursued,  "  I  would  willingly  give  all  I  possess  in  this 
world  to  be  the  means  of  saving  your  unfortunate  hus- 
band,— and  as  much  for  his  own  sake  as  for  yours  would 
I  do  this ;  but,  alas !  I  have  not  the  power.  Do  not  think 
I  speak  without  conviction.  My  father  has  just  been 
with  mc,  and  I  have  pleaded  the  cause  of  your  husband 
with  an  earnestness  I  should  scarcely  have  used  had  my 
own  life  been  at  stake.  But  all  my  entreaties  have  been 
in  vain.  He  is  obstinate  in  the  belief  my  brother's 
strange  absence,  and  Doncllan's  death,  are  attributable 
only  to  the  treason  of  Halloway.    Still  there  is  a  hope. 


'■■•r, 


-  ','".  ■ 


I  - 


'1 


i-% 


t    ;'■• 


[4m 


Ml!  r  ■ 

1      ■   ■  » 

,it'      ■,    iM       '      .   - 
,.       ►  '        II' 

r  .       I      ..li 

l1  !  ■■    ",        ■    , 

J''    '<■'«■'     •::-'    ■■  '    ' 

j'  ■     I    '      ,■■■■'' 


i.,:w.|. 


I 


F.( 


•  /   I, '     : 


1 

:  i 

:    ■'  ,   ■    1 

i     '  ( 

!  , 

.■ 

i 

i 

I 
1 

.''"■■    ■' 

r-    ■'  ' 

'   !*    : 
■■    '     (■    ■ 

',  :    \ 

■     If        ■ 
1             1     ' 

1, 

n 


1 

V;- 
1            1                 "■ 

1.    ■■ 

t ' 

•A 

■'•1 

1 

j; 

'■1 

124 


WACOUSTA. 


A  detachment  is  to  leave  the  fort  within  the  hour,  and 
Halloway  is  to  accompany  them.  It  may  be,  my  father 
intends  this  measure  only  with  a  view  to  terrify  him  into 
a  confession  of  guilt;  and  that  he  deems  it  politic  to 
make  him  undergo  all  the  fearful  preliminaries  without 
carrying  the  sentence  itself  into  effect." 

The  unfortunate  woman  said  no  more.  When  she 
raised  her  heaving  chest  from  that  of  the  young  officer, 
her  eyes,  though  red  and  shrunk  to  half  their  usual  size 
with  weeping,  were  tearless;  but  on  her  countenance 
there  was  an  expression  of  wild  woe,  infinitely  more  dis. 
tressing  to  behold,  in  consequence  of  the  almost  unnatu- 
ral check  so  suddenly  imposed  upon  her  feelings.  She 
tottered,  rather  than  walked,  through  the  group  of  officers, 
who  gave  way  on  either  hand  to  let  her  pass;  and  re- 
jecting  all  assistance  from  the  women  who  had  followed 
into  the  room,  and  who  now,  in  obedience  to  anotiier 
signal  from  Captain  Blessington,  hastened  to  her  support, 
finally  gained  the  door  and  quitted  the  apartment. 


WACOUSTA. 


125 


^ 


^ 


i 


>1 


I 


CHAPTER  IX. 


The  sun  was  high  in  the  meridian,  as  the  second  de- 
tachment, commanded  by  Colonel  de  Haldimar  in  per- 
son, issued  from  the  fort  of  Detroit.  It  was  that  soH. 
and  hazy  season,  peculiar  to  the  bland  and  beautiful  au- 
tumns of  Canada,  when  the  golden  light  of  Heaven 
seems  as  if  transmitted  through  a  veil  of  tissue,  and  all 
of  animate  and  inanimate  nature,  expanding  and  fruc- 
tifying beneath  its  fostering  influence,  breathes  the  most 
delicious  languor  and  voluptuous  repose.  It  was  one  of 
those  still,  calm,  warm,  and  genial  days,  which  in  those 
regions  come  under  the  vulgar  designation  of  the  In- 
dian  summer ;  a  season  that  is  ever  hailed  by  the  Cana- 
dian with  a  satisfaction  proportioned  to  the  extreme  sul- 
triness of  the  summer,  and  the  equally  oppressive  rigour 
of  the  winter,  by  which  it  is  immediately  preceded  and 
followed. 

Such  a  day  as  that  we  have  just  described  was  the 
——of  September,  1763,  when  the  chief  portion  of  the 
English  garrison  of  Detroit  issued  forth  from  the  forti- 
fications in  which  they  had  so  long  been  cooped  up,  and 
in  the  presumed  execution  of  a  duty  undeniably  the 
most  trying  and  painful  that  ever  fell  to  the  lot  of 
soldier  to  perform.  The  detachment  wended  its  slow 
and  solemn  course,  with  a  mournful  pageantry  of  pre- 

11* 


fry 


f  f    :■ 


1  L^'\ 


fw-: 


■  .  ■.     '.  '"Fiji's  ^J?! 


'V"  .1 


4-    :^im 


I.'""'.,  f 


1? 


M  ..il 


•;■  ■■  ;;i,  .•■■1. 


,<  i  ;  ■    ;  ■• 


,^  .-  ■  ■'  ■ 


it't: 


I   ,f.       ■! 


,.    ..( 


,i,    •■;.fi:! 


b  M 


,i 


1 

';   1  '     '       ' 
t   : 

'1 

1 

I! 
''i'l' 

1 

11 '  ■ 

1  ; 

.'l^'Vl  ■' 

m'  \ 

:!    "  :  ■'' 

i '            '  '  ' 

■':■",    N 

i'        '  i' 

'<■.-,.;>    l.j 

1   ":rl''\ 

1 

''■:■,"  ^:.i 

'   -^      '1 

■ :  ^n 

1 1\  "'   .,'         ■'■■I  'i 


'  ''1' 

■ill'  :    '    '    '•  iii'i; 


lit  ^  Ji,   ■  .:• . 


126 


WACOUSTA. 


paration  that  gave  fearful  earnest  o*  the  tragedy  ex- ;" 
l)ected  to  be  enacted. 

In  front,  and  dragged  by  the  hands  of  tlie  gunners, 
moved  two  of  the  three  three-pounders,  that  had  been  i 
ordered  for  the  duty.    Behind  these  came  Captain  Bles- 
sington's  company,  and  in  their  rear,  the  prisoner  Ha!- 
loway,  divested  of  his  uniform,  and  clad  in  a  white  cot. 
ton  jacket,  and  cap  of  the  same  material.     Six  rank  anii 
file  of  the  grenadiers  followed,  under  the  command  ofa 
corporal,  and  behind  these  again,  came  eight  men  of  tlie 
same  company;  four  of  whom  bore  on  their  shoulders  a 
coffin,  covered  with  a  coarse  black  pah  that  had  perhaps 
already  assisted  at  fifty   interments ;  while  tlie  other 
four  carried,  in  addition  to  their  own,  the  muskets  of 
their  burdened  comrades.    After  these,  marched  a  soli- 
tary drummer-boy ;  whose  tall  bear-skin  cap  attested 
him  to  be  of  the  grenadiers  also,  while  his  muffled  in- 
strument marked  the  duty  for  which  he  had  been  selecl 
ed.    Like  his  comrades,  none  of  whom  exhibited  their 
scarlet  uniforms,  he  wore  the  collar  of  his  great  coal 
closely  buttoned  beneath  his  chin,  which  was  only  par. 
tially  visible  above  the  stiff  leathern  stock  that  encircled 
his  neck.     Although  his  features  were  half  buried  in  his 
huge  cap  and  the  high  collar  of  his  coat,  there  was  an 
air  of  delicacy  about  his  person  that  seemed  to  render 
him  unsuited  to  such  an  office ;  and  more  than  once  was 
Captain  Erskine,  who  followed  immediately  behind  him 
at  the  head  of  his  company,  compelled  to  call  sharply 
to  the  urchin,  threatening  him  with  a  week's  drill  unless 
he  mended  his  feeble  and  unequal  pace,  and  kept  from 
under  the  feet  of  his  men.     The  remaining  gun  brouglit 
up  the  rear  of  the  detachment,  who  marched  with  fixed 
bayonets  and  two  balls  in  each  musket ;  the  whole  pre 


I 


WACOUSTA. 


127 


senting  a  front  of  sections,  that  completely  fi"  d  up  the 
road  along  which  they  passed.  Colonel  do  tialdimar, 
Captain  Wentvvorth,  and  the  Adjutant  Lawson  followed 
in  the  extreme  rear. 

An  event  so  singular  as  that  of  the  appearance  of  tho 
English  without  their  fort,  beset  as  they  were  by  a  host 
of  fierce  and  dangerous  enemies,  was  not  likely  to  pass 
unnoticed  by  a  single  individual  in  the  little  village  of 
Detroit.  We  have  already  observed,  that  most  of  the 
colonist  settlers  had  been  cruelly  massacred  at  the 
very  onset  of  hostilities.  Not  so,  however,  with  the 
Canadians,  who,  from  their  anterior  relations  with  the 
natives,  and  the  mutual  and  tacit  good  understanding 
that  subsisted  between  both  parties,  were  suffered  to 
continue  in  quiet  and  unmolested  possession  of  their 
homes,  where  they  preserved  an  avowed  neutrality, 
never  otherwise  infringed  than  by  the  assistance  se- 
cretly and  occasionally  rendered  to  the  English  troops, 
whose  gold  they  were  glad  to  recive  in  exchange  for  the 
necessaries  of  life. 

Every  dwelling  of  the  infant  town  had  commenced 
giving  up  its  tenants,  from  the  moment  when  the  head  of 
the  detachment  was  aeen  traversing  the  drawbridge ; 
so  that,  by  the  time  it  reached  the  highway,  and  took  its 
direction  to  the  left,  the  whole  population  of  Detroit 
were  already  assembled  in  groups,  and  giving  expression 
to  their  several  conjectures,  with  a  vivacity  of  language 
and  energy  of  gesticulation  that  would  not  have  dis- 
graced the  parent  land  itself.  As  the  troops  drew 
nearer,  however,  they  all  sank  at  once  into  a  silence,  as 
much  the  result  of  certain  unacknowledged  and  unde- 
fined fears,  as  of  the  respect  the  English  had  ever  been 
accustomed  to  exact. 


m 


■r-'ir^^-^ '.,•»■'#'■,  IJ^OT 


2^:^'- 


•1^, 


:;  Ir^- 


Wf: 

,'■        >*  V 

.'':^-u 


m^^'X 


I ' !! .  ^;  -  i 


'4  ■; 


-  ■<i 


i  ;^l: 


;>,  :■, 


-      ,1V 

!•:  ■  1  S- 


a''  !• 


'i:i^t 


■'?^; 


I       f 


li 


■,"'-»■'       I  if' 


iiySi^ii 


^■^<.'':  ;i 


'.:  1    '      .1. 


'  li't-  ., 


,1 .  li  ■■  '■- 


fi 


li>.  *•"'- 


128 


WACOUSTA. 


At  the  further  extremity  of  the  town,  and  at  a  bend  in 
the  road,  which  branched  off  more  immediately  towards 
the  river,  stood  a  small  public  house,  whose  creaking 
sign  bore  three  ill  executed  fleur-de-lis,  apologetic  em- 
blems of  the  arms  of  France.  The  building  itself  was 
little  more  than  a  rude  log  hut,  along  the  front  of  which 
ran  a  plank,  supported  by  two  stumps  of  trees,  and  serv- 
ing as  a  temporary  accommodation  both  for  the  traveller 
and  the  inmate.  On  this  bench  three  persons,  apparently 
attracted  by  the  beauty  of  the  day  and  the  mildness  of 
the  autumnal  sun,  were  now  seated,  two  of  whom  were 
leisurely  puffing  their  pipes,  while  the  third,  a  female, 
was  employed  in  carding  wool,  a  quantity  of  which  lay 
in  a  basket  at  her  feet,  while  she  v/arbled,  in  a  low  tone, 
one  of  the  simple  airs  of  her  native  land.  The  elder  of 
the  two  men,  whose  age  might  be  about  fifty,  oiFered 
nothing  remarkable  in  his  appearance ;  he  was  dressed 
in  a  coat  made  of  the  common  white  blanket,  while  his 
hair,  cut  square  upon  the  forehead,  and  tied  into  a  club 
of  nearly  a  foot  long,  lell  into  the  cape  or  hood  attached 
to  it. 

His  companion  was  habited  in  a  still  more  extraordi. 
nary  manner.  His  lower  limbs  were  cased,  up  to  the 
mid-thigh,  in  leathern  leggings,  the  seam  of  which  was 
on  the  outside,  leaving  a  margin,  or  border,  of  about  an 
inch  wide,  which  had  been  slit  into  innumerable  small 
fringes,  giving  them  an  air  of  elegance  and  lightness:  a 
garter  of  leather,  curiously  wrought,  with  the  stained 
quills  of  the  porcupine,  encircled  each  leg,  immediately 
under  the  knee,  where  it  was  tied  in  a  bow,  and  then 
suffered  to  hang  pendant  halfway  down  the  limb ;  to  the 
fringes  of  the  leggings,  moreover,  were  attached  nume- 
rous dark-coloured  horny  substances,  emitting,  as  they 


.1 


^ 


rattlet 
the  w 
by  an 
the  ten 
otherw 
The 
keeping 
of  his 
ordinar; 
united 
marked 
strangel 
his  othei 
and  disd 
taken  foi 
though 
had  givei 
wanting 
cheek  boi 
small  bon 
serious  ai 
own  eye 
and  wavi 

m 

from  exhi 
the  const? 
thought  V 
ceived.  ] 
of  him  w 
would  hav 
From  his 
limb  was 
mentoftl 
it,  not  the 


;.j1i 


^»« 


3end  in 
owards 
reaking 


WACOUSTA. 


129 


rattled  against  each  other,  at  the  slightest  movement  of 
the  wearer,  a  tinkling  sound,  resembling  that  produced 
by  a  number  of  small  thin  delicate  brass  bells;  these  were 
the  tender  hoofs  of  the  wild  deer,  dried,  scraped,  and 
otherwise  prepared  for  this  ornamental  purpose. 

The  form  and  face  of  this  individual  were  in  perfect 
keeping  with  the  style  of  his  costume,  and  the  character 
of  his  equipment.  His  stature  was  beyond  that  of  the 
ordinary  race  of  men,  and  his  athletic  and  muscular  limbs 
united  the  extremes  of  strength  and  activity.  His  features, 
.narked  and  prominent,  wore  a  cast  of  habitual  thought, 
strangely  tinctured  with  ferocity  ;  and  the  expression  of 
his  otherwise  not  unhandsome  countenance  was  repellent 
and  disdainful.  At  the  first  glance  he  might  have  been 
taken  for  one  of  the  swarthy  natives  of  the  soil ;  but 
though  time  and  constant  exposure  to  scorching  suns 
had  given  to  his  complexion  a  dusky  hue,  still  tliere  was 
wanting  the  quick,  black,  penetrating  eye ;  the  high 
cheek  bone ;  the  straight,  coarse,  shining  black  hair  ;  the 
small  bony  hand  and  foot ;  and  the  placidly  proud  and 
serious  air,  by  which  the  former  is  distinguished.  His 
own  eye  was  of  a  deep  bluish  gray ;  his  hair  short,  dark, 
and  wavy ;  his  hands  large  and  muscular ;  and  so  far 
from  exhibiting  any  of  the  self-command  of  the  Indian, 
the  constant  play  of  his  features  betrayed  each  passing 
thought  with  the  same  rapidity  with  which  it  was  con- 
ceived. But  if  any  doubt  could  have  existed  in  the  mind 
of  him  who  beheld  this  strangely  accoutred  figure,  it 
would  have  been  instantly  dispelled  by  a  glance  at  his  limbs. 
From  his  leggings  to  the  hip,  that  portion  of  the  lower 
limb  was  completely  bare,  and  disclosed,  at  each  move- 
ment of  the  garment  that  was  suffered  to  fall  loosely  over 
it,  not  the  swarthy  and  copper-coloured  flesh  of  the  Indian, 


>4i 

■..i'.:.f-;i« 


'  !     .    -,  I' 


.V:''^'>S'i. 


■  I-..'     — ,'■    1  vt's 


'•■■•■•»■ -ill 


7^'    A'j. 


Mr: 


",>.; 


'mn\ 


m' 


11 

K 
i 


:"M:,:.; 


'Ml 


'f  'i'  i  ;  =.  U 

■  '  •  ■  ■  '  i'  :  I 


.  /     ■I  fta''J''i!  ■  ' 


I    .  (I.';,  I '  , 

:■■'■;  .4Hr^^' 

ij.  '»;«!       -:;''    !!::f| 


:.  '  ■  ■  I     ■■    "its  ill'  :*  ii 


f!^: 


^ill 


130 


WACOUSTA. 


but  the  pale  thongh  sun-burnt  skin  of  one  of  a  more  tem. 
perate  clime.    His  age  might  be  about  tbrty-five. 

At  the  moment  when  the  English  detachment  approached 
the  bend  in  the  road,  these  two  individuals  were  con. 
versing  earnestly  together,  pausing  only  to  puff  at  inter. 
vals  thick  and  wreathing  volumes  of  smoke  from  their 
pipes,  which  were  filled  with  a  mixture  of  tobacco  and 
odoriferous  herbs.  Presently,  however,  sounds  that  ap. 
peared  familiar  to  his  ear  arrested  the  attention  of  the 
wildly  accoutred  being  we  have  last  described.  It  was 
the  heavy  roll  of  tlie  artillery  carriages  already  advancing 
along  the  road,  and  somewhat  in  the  rear  of  the  hut. 
To  dash  his  pipe  to  the  ground,  seize  and  cock  and 
raise  his  rifle  to  his  shoulder,  was  but  the  work  of  a 
moment.  Startled  by  the  suddenness  of  the  action, 
his  male  companion  moved  a  few  paces  also  from  his 
seat,  to  discover  the  cause  of  this  singular  movement. 
The  female,  on  the  contrary,  stirred  not,  but  ceasing  for 
a  moment  the  occupation  in  which  she  had  been  engaged, 
fixed  her  dark  and  brilliant  eyes  upon  the  tall  form  of 
the  rifleman,  whose  athletic  limbs,  thrown  into  powerful 
relief  by  the  distention  of  each  nerve  and  muscle,  ap- 
peared to  engross  her  whole  admiration  and  interest, 
without  any  reference  to  the  cause  that  had  produced 
this  abrupt  and  hostile  change  in  his  movements.  It  was 
evident  that,  unlike  the  other  inhabitants  of  the  town, 
this  group  had  been  taken  by  surprise,  and  were  utterly 
unprepared  to  expect  any  thing  in  the  shape  of  interrup- 
tion. 

For  upwards  of  a  minute,  during  which  the  march  of 
the  men  became  audible  even  to  the  ears  of  the  female, 
the  formidable  warrior,  for  such  his  garb  denoted  him  to 
be,  continued  motionless  in  the  attitude  he  had  at  first 


! 


assum^ 
vancinj 
taken, 
sped  hil 
triumplj 
warrior! 
cation 
wfiile  th| 
;  weapon 
and  deU| 

This 
I  leading 
[alarm,  o 
[  for  all  be 
I  Indians. 
I  Biessingti 
I  up  from  1 
M  leading  se 
^  Jiis  surpris 
I dcnce  that 
I  visible  we 
[  Both  were 
I  pipe  with  I 
I  other  card: 
I  observer  n: 
I  cheek  that 
'  placed  her 
I  however,  i 
I  Captain  Bi 
I  of  the  hou 
I  recognition 
to  be  no  stj 
'     "Ah,  m 

I 


"S 


at  inter. 
)m  their 
Lcco  and 

that  ap. 
m  of  the  i 

It  was 
dvancing 

the  hut. 
lock  and 
ork  of  a 
e  action, 
from  his 
lovement. 
iasing  for 

engaged, 


WACOUSTA. 


131 


assumed.  No  sooner,  however,  had  the  head  of  the  ad- 
vancin""  column  come  within  sight,  than  the  aim  was 
taken  the  trigger  pulled,  and  the  small  and  ragged  bullet 
sped  hissing  from  the  grooved  and  delicate  barrel.  A 
triumphant  cry  was  next  pealed  from  the  lips  of  the 
warrior, — a  cry  produced  by  the  quickly  repeated  appli- 
cation and  removal  of  one  hand  to  and  from  the  mouth, 
while  the  other  suffered  the  butt  end  of  the  now  harmless 
weapon  to  fall  loosely  upon  the  earth.  He  then  slowly 
and  deliberately  withdrew  within  the  cover  of  the  hut. 

This  daring  action,  which  had  been  viewed  by  the 
leading  troops  with  astonishment  not  unmingled  with 
alarm,  occasioned  a  temporary  confusion  in  the  ranks, 
for  all  believed  they  had  fallen  into  an  ambuscade  of  the 
Indians.  A  halt  was  instantly  commanded  by  Captain 
Blessington,  in  order  to  give  time  to  the  governor  to  come 
up  from  the  rear,  while  he  proceeded  with  one  of  the 
leading  sections  to  reconnoitre  the  front  of  the  hut.  To 
I  liis  surprise,  however,  he  found  neither  enemy,  nor  evi- 
I  dcnce  that  an  enemy  had  been  there.  The  only  individuals 
visible  were  the  Canadian,  and  the  dark-eyed  female. 
Both  were  seated  on  the  bench ; — the  one  smoking  his 
pipe  with  a  well  assumed  appearance  of  unconcern — the 
other  carding  her  wool,  but  with  a  hand  that  by  a  close 
observer  might  be  seen  to  tremble  in  its  office,  and  a 
cheek  that  was  paler  than  at  the  moment  when  we  first 
placed  her  before  the  imagination  of  the  reader.  Both, 
however,  started  with  unaffected  surprise  on  seeing 
Captain  Blessington  and  his  little  force  turn  the  corner 
of  the  house  from  the  main  road ;  and  certain  looks  of 
precognition  passed  bet  v fen  all  parties,  that  proved  them 
to  be  no  strangers  to  each  other. 
"Ah,  monsieur,"  said  the  Canadian,  in  a  mingled 


•t 


iv,:»:^.M"  »;■'.::.-•  ^^U 

*.A'"    '  "  ■  ■■'■  '       ■i''-».iitl 

■  ',  •     •  - .  ■  \'-f.'i- 


7  5'^r^'  1 


I  ' 


1  ( 


■■Mm 


'M'/i^''. 


*■  t'v. 


l.'t  I  .  '  •,■1     t 


p  "■'■ 

i!i  '  : 

i  ^'f-:' 

1^  •••:       ■' '., 

,1  • 

1 

132 


WACOUSTA. 


dialect,  neither  French  nor  English,  while  he  attempted 
an  ease  and  freedom  of  manner  that  was  too  miserably 
affected  to  pass  current  with  the  mild  but  observajit 
officer  whom  he  addressed,  "  how  much  surprise  I  am, 
and  glad  to  see  you.  It  is  a  long  times  since  you  came 
out  of  de  fort.  I  hope  de  governeur  and  de  officir  be  all 
very  well.  I  was  tinking  to  go  to-day  to  see  if  you  want 
any  ting.  I  have  got  some  nice  rum  of  the  Jamaiquc  for 
Capitaine  Erskine.  Will  you  please  to  try  some" 
While  speaking,  the  voluble  host  of  the  Fleur  de  lis  liad 
risen  from  his  seat,  laid  aside  his  pipe,  and  now  stood 
with  his  hands  thrust  into  his  pockets  of  his  blanket 
coat. 

*'  It  is  indeed  a  long  time  since  we  have  been  here, 
Master  Francois,"  somewhat  sarcastically  and  drily  re- 
plied  Captain  Blessington  ;  "  and  you  have  not  visited  us 
quite  so  often  latterly  yourself,  though  well  aware  wt 
were  in  want  of  fresh  provisions.  I  give  you  all  due 
credit,  however,  for  your  intention  of  coming  to-day,  but 
you  see  we  have  anticipated  you.  Still  this  is  not  the 
point.  Where  is  the  Indian  who  fired  at  us  just  now' 
and  how  is  it  we  find  you  leagued  with  our  enemies  ?" 

"  What,  sir,  is  it  you  say  ?"  asked  the  Canadian,  hold- 
ing up  his  hands  with  feigned  astonishment.  "Me 
league  myself  with  de  savage.  Upon  my  honour  I  did 
not  see  nobody  fire,  or  I  should  tell  you.  I  lo\c  dc 
English  too  well  to  do  dem  harms." 

"Come,  come,  Francois,  no  nonsense.  If  I  ciniiot 
make  you  confess,  there  is  one  not  far  from  me  who  will. 
You  know  Colonel  do  Haldimar  too  well  to  imagine  lie 
will  be  trifled  with  in  this  manner :  if  he  detects  you  in 
a  falsehood,  he  will  certainly  cause  you  to  be  hanged  up 
at  the  first  tree.    Take  my  advice,  therefore,  and  .^ay 


wliere 
fall  in 
first  si: 

Att 
came  r 
munica 
cast  on 
search  ir 

"  WJi 

iastanth 

I'iic 

within  h 

i  ruddy  lit 

lashy  pal 

knowled^ 

ihc  appea 

original  i 

governor, 

I  as  he  spoh 

I  fact. 

"Your 
dare  you  t 
at  once  wl 
I  to  die." 

"If  I  mi 

I  tain  Blcssi 

the  Ingian 

[iiisshouldc 

"  liiiu  too  ofl 

.  sliould  have 

-iiid  red  lia: 

'I'll is  bin 

^viis  the  ins 

VOL.  I 1 


ttempted 
liserablj 
)bservanl 
ise  I  am, 
70U  came 
cir  be  all 
you  want 
laiquc  for 
some '" 
de  lis  had  i 
low  stood 
s  blanket 

)een  here, 
1  drily  re- 
visited \ii 
aware  uc 
3U  all  due 
0-day,  but 
s  not  the 
ust  now ! 
jmies?" 
[ian,  hold- 
it.    "Me 
iour  I  did 
lo\c  dc 


|l  cannot 
I  who  will, 
kaginc  he 

ta  you  in 
[inged  up 

land  sity 


WACOUSTA. 


133 


wiiere  you  have  secreted  this  Indian  ;  and  recollect,  if  we 
fall  into  an  ambuscade,  your  life  will  be  forfeited  at  the 
first  shot  we  hear  fired." 

At  this  moment  the  governor,  followed  by  his  adjutant, 
came  rapidly  up  to  the  spot.  Captain  Blessington  com- 
municated the  ill  success  of  his  queries,  when  the  former 
cast  on  the  terrified  Canadian  one  of  those  severe  and 
searching  looks  which  he  so  well  knew  how  to  assume. 

"  Wiicrc  is  the  rascal  who  fired  at  us,  sirrah  ?  tell  me 
J  instantly,  or  you  have  not  five  minutes  to  live." 

The  heart  of  mine  host  of  the  Fleur  de  lis  quailed 
within  him  at  this  formidable  threat ;  and  the  usually 
ruddy  hue  of  his  countenance  had  now  given  place  to  an 
ashy  paleness.  Still  as  he  had  positively  denied  all 
knowledge  of  the  matter  on  which  he  was  questioned, 
ihe  appeared  to  feel  his  safety  lay  in  adhering  to  his 
original  statement.  Again,  therefore,  he  assured  tlie 
governor,  on  his  honour  (laying  his  hand  upon  his  heart 
as  he  spoke,)  that  what  he  had  already  stated  was  the 
fact. 

"Your  honour — you  pitifiil  trading  scoundrel — how 
dare  you  talk  to  me  of  your  honour  ?  Come,  sir,  confess 
at  once  where  you  have  secreted  this  fellow,  or  prepare 
I  to  die." 

"If  I  may  be  so  bold,  your  honour,"  said  one  of  Cap- 
tain Blcssington's  men,  "  tlic  Frenchman  lies.  When 
the  Ingian  fired  amon*;  us,  this  fellow  was  peeping  under 
his  shoulder  and  watching  us  also.  If  I  had  not  seen 
hiiu  loo  often  at  the  fort  to  be  mistaken  in  his  person,  I 
I  should  have  known  him,  at  all  events,  by  his  blanket  coat 
and  red  handkerchief." 

'i'his  blunt  statement  of  the  soldier,  confirmed  as  it 
was  the  instant  afterwards  by  one  of  his  comrades,  was 

VOL.  I. — 13 


■  '.■l'•■.^•'':^'^l 


'i 


it''  '  ..••''■ 
lit-' '■■  '  .■ 


■J  . '• "" , 


!       * 


•t,,. 


,'''v 


ft  ■  >l 


i 


^f,; 


,  ♦ 


iWfir'll-ill 


134 


WACOUSTA. 


damning'  proof  against  the  Canadian,  even  if  the  fact  of 
the  rifle  being  discharged  from  the  front  of  the  hut  had 
not  already  satisfied  all  parties  of  the  falsehood  of  his  as. 
sertion. 

"  Come  forward,  a  couple  of  files,  and  seize  this  villain," 
resumed  the  governor  with  his  wonted  sternness  of  maii. 
ner.  "  Mr.  Lawson,  see  if  his  hut  does  not  afford  a  row 
strong  enough  to  hang  the  traitor  from  one  of  his  own 
apple  trees." 

Both  parties  proceeded  at  the  same  moment  to  execute 
the  two  distinct  orders  of  their  chief.  The  Canadian 
was  now  firmly  secured  in  the  grasp  of  the  two  men  wlio 
had  given  evidence  against  him,  when,  seeing  all  tlic 
horror  of  the  dreadful  fate  that  awaited  him,  he  contessed 
the  individual  who  had  fired  had  been  sitting  with  liim 
the  instant  previously,  but  that  he  knew  no  more  of  him 
than  of  any  other  savage  occasionally  calling  at  the 
Fleur  de  lis.  He  added,  that  on  discharging  the  rifle  lie 
had  bounded  across  the  palings  of  tlie  orchard,  and  Hcd 
in  the  direction  of  the  forest.  He  denied  all  knowledge 
or  belief  of  an  enemy  waiting  in  ambush ;  statinjr, 
moreover,  even  the  individual  in  question  had  not  been 
aware  of  the  sortie  of  the  detachment  until  apprised  of 
their  near  approach  by  the  heavy  sound  of  the  gun  car- 
riages. 

"  Here  are  undeniable  proofs  of  the  man's  villany,  sir," 
said  the  adjutant,  returning  from  the  hut  and  exhibitin!: 
objects  of  new  and  fearful  interest  to  the  governor. 
"  This  hat  and  rope  I  found  secreted  in  one  of  tlic  bed- 
rooms of  the  auberge.  The  fiist  is  evidently  DoncllanV; 
and  from  the  hook  attached  to  the  latter,  I  apprdiciid  it 
to  be  the  same  stated  to  have  been  used  by  Captain  di 
Haldimar  in  crossing  the  ditch." 


'if 


1 

he  fad  of 

1 

5  hut  had 

M 

of  his  as. 

1 

8  villain," 

1 

s  of  man. 

)rd  a  roDc 
'  his  own 

.0  execute 
Canadian 
•  men  who 
ig  all  tlie 
1  confessed 
with  him 
)re  of  him 
ng  at  the 
he  rifle  lie 

and  fled 
nowk'dge 

stating, 
not  been 
pprised  of 

gun  ear- 
any,  sir," 
xhibitini: 

ovcrnor. 

the  bed- 

ncllun's; 

fheiid  il 

l)taiii  dc 


WACOUSTA. 


135 


The  governor  took  the  hat  and  rope  from  the  hands 
of  his  subordinate,  examined  them  attentively,  and  after 
a  few  moments  of  deep  musing,  during  which  his  coun- 
tenance underwent  several  rapid  though  scarcely  per- 
ceptible changes,  turned  suddenly  and  eagerly  to  the 
soldier  who  had  first  convicted  the  Canadian  in  his  false- 
hood, and  demanded  if  he  had  seen  enough  of  the  man 
who  had  fired  to  be  able  to  give  even  a  general  descrip- 
tion of  his  person. 

"  Why  yes,  your  honour,  I  think  I  can ;  for  the  fellow 
stood  long  enough  after  firing  his  piece,  for  a  painter  to 
have  taken  him  off  from  head  to  foot.  He  was  a  taller 
and  larger  man  by  far  than  our  biggest  grenadier,  and 
that  is  poor  Harry  Donellan,  as  your  honour  knows. 
But  as  for  his  dress,  though  I  could  see  it  all,  I  scarcely 
can  tell  how  to  describe  it.  All  I  know  is,  he  was 
covered  with  smoked  deer  skin,  in  some  such  fashion  as 
the  great  chief  Ponteac,  only,  instead  of  having  his  head 
bare  and  shaved,  he  wore  a  strange  outlandish  sort  of  a 
hat,  covered  over  with  wild  birds'  feathers  in  front." 

"  Enough,"  interrupted  the  governor,  motioning  the 
man  to  silence ;  then,  in  an  under  tone  to  himself, — "  By 
heaven,  the  very  same."  A  shade  of  disappointment, 
and  suppressed  alarm,  passed  rapidly  across  hia  brow ; 
it  was  but  momentary.  "Captain  Blessington,"  he  or- 
dered quickly  and  impatiently,  "search  the  hut  and 
grounds  for  this  lurking  Indian,  who  is,  no  doubt,  se- 
creted in  the  neighbourhood.  Quick,  quick,  sir  ;  there  is 
no  time  to  be  lost."  Then  in  an  intimidating  tone  to 
the  Canadian,  who  had  already  dropped  on  his  knees, 
Kupplicating  mercy,  and  vociferating  his  innocence  irf  the 
same  breath, — "  So,  you  infernal  scoundrel,  this  is  tho 
inanuer  in  which  you  have  repaid  our  confidence.  Where 


.  i.'  ' 
iV' 


■•■•'.''''  'ilii 


'■■  rr'''.\^i 


-:fi: 


i 


'W0S 


•■♦"■   fV 


Ji 


*s 


m-^-' 


■  '■t'l;'-'  ■ 

.■  rf    '  ■"     . ' 

'     f  '•  I  .  i     .  'I 

■S'.,r'i  :■:;■■;::: 

'.*'■'  ■  I  ■ 

\  ti     r'      '■ .  <,     :■   ■ 

V   :.  ,  ;!,;'"', 

If  ■'•iiiirM]!'    ' 

'  "I    '  J,  ,'1  '., 
Iff;.:'!.   •■',:•  .:\'-  ■•  I 


I'--'1 


?^y!ii»r: 


}k'im 


'mi: 

1 1,'  . '  '  i  '  ';  I 


'  '         ill     ■    ' 


'.  -i  :  ■:!!'■' i> 


" -ni!;'  "I  ;i 


rf « 


Si- 


rl 


ffl:^ 


136 


WACOUSTA. 


is  my  son,  sir  ?  Or  have  you  already  murdered  him,  as 
you  did  his  servant?  Tell  me,  you  villain,  what  have  you 
to  say  to  these  proofs  of  your  treachery  ?  But  stay,  I  shall 
take  another  and  fitter  opportunity  to  question  you.  Mr. 
Lawson,  secure  this  traitor  properly,  and  let  him  be  con. 
veyed  to  the  centre  of  the  detachment." 

The  mandate  was  promptly  obeyed  ;  and  in  despite  of 
his  own  unceasing  prayers  and  protestations  of  innocence, 
and  the  tears  and  entreaties  of  his  dark-eyed  daughter 
Babette,  who  had  thrown  herself  on  her  knees  at  his  side, 
the  dtout  arms  of  mine  host  of  the  Fleur  de  lis  were  soon 
firmly  secured  behind  his  back  with  the  strong  rope  tlial 
had  been  found  under  such  suspicious  circumstances  in 
his  possession.  Before  he  was  marched  off,  however  two 
of  the  men  who  had  been  sent  in  pursuit,  returned  from 
the  orchard,  stating  tliat  further  search  was  now  fruitless, 
*iney  had  penetrated  through  a  small  thicket  at  the  ex- 
tremity of  the  grounds,  and  had  distinctly  seen  a  man 
answering  the  description  given  by  their  comrades,  ii. 
full  flight  towards  the  forest  skirting  the  heights  in  front. 

The  governor  was  evidently  far  from  being  satisfied 
with  the  result  of  a  search  too  late  instituted  to  leave 
even  a  prospect  of  success.  "  Where  are  the  Indians 
principally  encamped,  sirrah  ?"  he  sternly  demanded  of 
his  captive ;  "  answer  me  truly,  or  I  will  carry  off  tliis 
wench  as  well,  and  if  a  single  hair  of  a  man  of  mine  be 
even  singed  by  a  shot  from  a  skulking  enemy,  you  may 
expect  to  sec  her  bayoneted  before  your  eyes." 

"  Ah,  my  God  !  Monsieur  le  Gouverneur,"  exclaimed 
the  aifrighted  aubergiste,  "  as  I  am  an  honest  man,  I 
shall  tell  de  truth,  but  spare  my  child.  They  arc  all  in 
do  forest,  and  half  a  mile  from  de  little  river  dat  runs  be- 
tween dis  and  de  Pork  Island." 


"  'I 


WACOUSTA. 


137 


"  Hog  Island,  I  suppose  you  mean." 
"  Yes  sir,  de  Hog  Island  is  de  one  I  means." 
"  Conduct  him  to  the  centre,  and  let  him  be  confronted 
with  the  prisoner,"  directed  the  governor,  addressing  his 
adjutant ;  "  Captain  Blessington,  your  men  may  resume 
their  stations  in  the  ranks."  The  order  was  obeyed ;  and 
notwithstanding  the  tears  and  supplications  of  the  now 
highly  excited  Babette,  who  flung  herself  upon  his  neck, 
and  was  only  removed  by  force,  the  terrified  Canadian 
was  borne  off  from  his  premises  by  the  troops. 


*<'->;^ 


:%:■' 


^ 


.^■■-^i 


'4^ 


»:.■'•■  ,  '^.Ms 

•  ■, .  ■v.v-    ■■'  ■ 
■  '■'  (.'  '■   - 


12* 


m 

if'    I.  I 


I   • 


138 


WACOUSTA. 


'h    fi:',:.;-' 


,,r    •■:,  .'i't     :: 

li^".    ':  ,r  :'f '",,  :.„ 


CHAPTER  X. 


ntm^ 


■it     <  V ['■):, : 


I 


iii  ■<  f 


H 


v."  ^i 


i^> :'!,.'!  ■^■^'livjt 


t. 


„,.S.|<.ifli.,..-. 


While  this  scene  was  enacting  in  front  of  the  Fleur  dc 
lis,  one  of  a  far  more  touching  and  painful  nature  was 
passing  in  the  very  heart  of  the  detachment  itself.  At 
the  moment  when  the  halt  was  ordered  by  Captain  Blcs- 
sington,  a  rumour  ran  through  the  ranks  that  they  had 
reached  the  spot  destined  for  the  execution  of  their  ill- 
fated  comrade.  Those  only  in  the  immediate  front  were 
aware  of  the  true  cause;  but  although  the  report  of  the 
rifle  had  been  distinctly  heard  by  all,  it  had  been  attii- 
buted  by  those  in  the  rear  to  the  accidental  discharge  of 
one  of  their  own  muskets.  A  low  murnmr,  expressive 
of  the  opinion  generally  entertained,  passed  gradually 
from  rear  to  front,  until  it  at  length  reached  the  ears  of 
the  delicate  drummer  boy  who  marched  behind  the  coffin, 
His  face  was  still  buried  in  the  collar  of  his  coat ;  and 
what  was  left  uncovered  of  his  features  by  the  cap,  was 
in  some  degree  hidden  by  the  forward  drooping  of  his  head 
upon  his  chest.  Hitherto  he  had  moved  almost  mechani- 
cally along,  tottering  and  embarrassing  himself  at  every 
step  under  the  cumbrous  drum  that  was  suspended  from 
a  belt  round  his  neck  over  the  left  thigh ;  but  now  there 
was  a  certain  indescribable  drawing  up  of  the  frame,  and 
tension  of  the  whole  person,  denoting  a  concentration  of 
all  the  moral  and  physical  energies, — a  sudden  working 


WACOUSTA. 


139 


...j 


up  as  it  were,  of  the  intellectual  and  corporeal  being  to 
some  determined  and  momentous  purpose. 

At  the  first  halt  of  the  detachment,  the  weary  support- 
ers of  the  coffin  had  deposited  their  rude  and  sombre 
burden  upon  the  earth,  preparatory  to  its  being  resumed 
by  those  appointed  to  relieve  them.  The  dull  sound 
emitted  by  the  hollow  fabric,  as  it  touched  the  ground, 
caught  the  ear  of  him  for  whom  it  was  destined,  and  he 
turned  to  gaze  upon  the  sad  and  lonely  tenement  so 
shortly  to  become  his  final  resting  place.  There  was  an 
air  of  calm  composure  and  dignified  sorrow  upon  his 
brow,  that  infused  respect  into  the  hearts  of  all  who  be- 
held him ;  and  even  the  men  selected  to  do  the  duty  of 
executioners  sought  to  evade  his  glance,  as  his  steady  eye 
wandered  from  right  to  left  of  the  fatal  rank.  His  atten- 
tion, however,  was  principally  directed  towards  the  coffin, 
which  lay  before  him. ;  on  this  he  gazed  fixedly  for  up- 
wards of  a  minute.  He  then  turned  his  eyes  in  the  di- 
rection  of  the  fort,  shuddered,  heaved  a  profound  sigh, 
and  looking  up  to  heaven,  with  the  apparent  fervour  that 
became  his  situation,  seemed  to  pray  for  a  moment  or 
two  inwardly  and  devoutly.  The  thick  and  almost 
suffocating  breathing  of  one  immediately  beyond  the  cof- 
fin, was  now  distinctly  heard  by  all.  Halloway  started 
from  his  attitude  of  devotion,  gazed  earnestly  on  the  form 
whence  it  proceeded,  and  then  wildly  extending  his  arms, 
suffered  a  smile  of  satisfaction  to  illumine  his  pale  fea- 
tures. All  eyes  were  now  turned  upon  the  drummer 
t)oy,  who,  evidently  labouring  under  convulsive  excite- 
ment of  feeling,  suddenly  dashed  his  cap  and  instrument 
to  the  earth,  and  fiew  as  fast  as  his  tottering  and  uncer- 
tain steps  would  admit  across  the  coffin,  and  into  the 
arms  extended  to  receive  him. 


J 


'V 


'i: 


■"...fi 


>^)» 


7^^  H) 


\llil  •  «■■■  ,  ' 


If-    I. ',;:-^-     .'■ 


:   :  y  'I 


•*'. 

■  ■ '  1      I 

i   ..     ' 

4 

.,'l 

■;|;  ''^1  ■■■ ' 

III'  ,i, 

1 

■■-!■■'''; 

I  #'■■  : 


I  flSi 

lit  fill 


'  « ■ 


;i 


4  '  '•■ 


-  ~  '■  ■  ■  ll  ll  . 


,  'l,    I''  .1  >l  I'  1 

"r''»'i:  'lis' 

'■«'•:  Ji'li'  'lii 

■   1- : ,. ,  ;!  s 


;i  "I'll  .i  '■''■1 J 
li  1  ..  ii  «  >. !i  1.," 


i, 


'i 


140 


VVACOUSTA. 


"  My  Ellen !  oh,  my  own  devoted,  but  too  unhappy 
Ellen  !"  passionately  exclaimed  the  soldier,  as  he  clasped 
the  slight  and  agitated  form  of  his  disguised  wife  to  his 
throbbing  heart.  "  This,  this,  indeed,  is  joy  even  in 
death.  I  thought  I  could  have  died  more  happily  without 
you,  but  nature  tugs  powerfully  at  my  heart ;  and  to  see 
you  once  more,  to  feel  you  once  more  here^"*  (and  he 
pressed  her  wildly  to  his  chest,)  "  is  indeed  a  bliss  that 
robs  my  approaching  fate  of  half  its  terror." 

"  Oh  Reginald  !  my  dearly  beloved.Reginald !  my  mur- 
dered husband  !"  shrieked  the  unhappy  woman ;  "  your 
Ellen  will  not  survive  you.  Her  heart  is  already  broken, 
though  she  cannot  weep ;  but  the  same  grave  shall  con- 
tain us  both.  Reginald,  do  you  believe  me  ?  I  swear  it; 
the  same  grave  shall  contain  us  both." 

Exhausted  with  the  fatigue  and  excitement  she  had 
undergone,  the  faithful  and  affectionate  creature  now  lay, 
without  sense  or  motion,  in  the  arms  of  her  wretched 
Imsband.  Halloway  bore  her,  unopposed,  a  pace  or  two 
in  advance,  and.  deposited  her  unconscious  form  on  the 
fatal  coffin. 

No  language  of  ours  can  render  justice  to  the  trying 
character  of  the  scene.  All  who  witnessed  it  were  pain- 
fully affected,  and  over  the  bronzed  cheek  of  many  a  vete- 
ran coursed  a  tear,  that,  like  that  of  Sterne's  recording 
angel,  might  have  blotted  out  a  catalogue  of  sins.  Al- 
though each  was  prepared  to  expect  a  reprimand  from 
the  governor,  for  suffering  the  prisoner  to  quit  his  station 
in  the  ranks,  humanity  and  nature  pleaded  too  power- 
fully in  his  behalf,  and  neither  officer  or  man  attempted 
to  interfere,  unless  with  a  view  to  render  assistance. 
Captain  Erskine,  in  particular,  was  deeply  pained,  and 
would  have  given  any  thing  to  recal  the  harsh  language 


:       I 


unhappy 
)  clasped 
ife  to  his 

even  in 
'  without 
nd  to  see 

(and  he 
}liss  that 

my  mur- 
i;  "your 
y  broken, 
ihall  con- 
swear  it; 

I;  she  had 
3  now  lay, 
wretched 
ce  or  two 
on  the 


WACOUSTA. 


141 


he  had  used  towards  the  supposed  idle  and  inattentive 
drummer  boy.  Taking  from  a  pocket  in  his  uniform  a 
small  flask  of  brandy,  which  he  had  provided  against 
casualties,  the  compassionating  officer  slightly  raised  the 
head  of  the  pale  and  unconscious  woman  with  one  hand, 
while  with  the  other  he  introduced  a  few  drops  between 
her  parted  lips.  Halloway  knelt  at  the  opposite  side  of 
the  coffin;  one  hand  searching,  but  in  vain,  the  suspended 
pulse  of  his  inanimate  wife ;  the  other,  unbuttoning  the 
breast  of  the  drum-boy's  jacket,  which,  with  every  other 
part  of  the  equipment,  she  wore  beneath  the  loose  great 
coat  so  effectually  accomplishing  her  disguise. 

Such  was  the  position  of  the  chief  actors  in  this  truly 
distressing  drama,  at  the  moment  when  Colonel  de  Hal- 
dimar  came  up  with  his  new  prisoner,  to  mark  what 
effect  would  be  produced  on  Halloway  by  his  unexpected 
appearance.  His  own  surprise  and  disappointment  may 
be  easily  conceived,  when,  in  the  form  of  the  recumbent 
being  who  seemed  to  engross  universal  attention,  he  re- 
cognised, by  the  fair  and  streaming  hair,  and  half  ex- 
posed bosom,  the  unfortunate  being  whom,  only  two 
hours  previously,  he  had  spurned  from  his  feet  in  the 
costume  of  her  own  sex,  and  reduced,  by  the  violence  of 
her  grief,  to  almost  infantine  debility.  Question  succeeded 
question  to  those  around,  but  without  eliciting  any  clue 
to  the  means  by  which  this  mysterious  disguise  had  been 
effected.  No  one  had  been  aware,  until  the  truth  was  so 
singularly  and  suddenly  revealed,  the  supposed  drummer 
was  any  other  than  one  of  the  lads  attached  to  the  grena- 
diers; and  as  for  the  other  facts,  they  spoke  too  plainly 
to  the  comprehension  of  the  governor  to  need  explana- 
tion.  Once  more,  however,  the  detachment  was  called 
to  order.    Halloway  struck  his  hand  violently  upon  his 


.;■■■•■•■  WM 

'■  ■■■  ■■■'•■■   '.-i'i-i.%1 

■'^  ■  ■  •■^'  ■mr 


,  i ' 
If 
t 

,1 


»'J 


i»fe-i 


t  I'.-,  'r^'^'M 

^  y.    ■         -U     ■  » 

I'"'*  ■',  >  '1  I 


[h  '!;.i!:-;'f'«,r:j: 


hi 

i 

III.''. 


;.;'i:  ,M, 


.A". 


■''•:.i:'!.,1  ■:'■■""';'■:'' • 
.      ■  '•/!  i  if  %  '■  i  •  ■' 

ii'lii'r-PiiPfi 


(  ,1 


ij  il  ii '  ::  '<.i    ' «.  H  tj  _. 


'    ■      >:j    ''  il.*'  'S  ii-ii  ill 


■mi 


!1.: 


»'' I.:  ii!  V 


142 


WACOUSTA. 


brow,  kissed  the  wan  lips  of  his  still  unconscious  wife, 
breathing  as  he  did  so,  a  half  murmured  hope  she  might 
indeed  be  the  corpse  she  appeared.  He  then  raised  him. 
self  from  the  earth  with  a  light  and  elastic  yet  firm  move- 
ment, and  resumed  the  place  he  had  previously  occupied, 
where,  to  his  surprise,  he  beheld  a  second  victim  bound, 
and,  apparently,  devoted  to  the  same  death.  When  tlic 
eyes  of  the  two  unhappy  men  met,  the  governor  closely 
watched  the  expression  of  the  countenance  of  each ;  but 
although  the  Canadian  started  on  beholding  the  soldier, 
it  might  be  merely  because  he  saw  the  latter  arrayed  in 
the  garb  of  death,  and  followed  by  the  most  unequivocal 
demonstrations  of  a  doom  to  which  he  himself  was,  in  all 
probability,  devoted.  As  for  Halloway,  his  look  betrayed 
neither  consciousness  nor  recognition ;  and  though  too 
proud  to  express  complaint  or  to  give  vent  to  the  feelings 
of  his  heart,  his  whole  soul  appeared  to  be  absorbed  in 
the  unhappy  partner  of  his  luckless  destiny.  Presently 
he  saw  her  borne,  and  in  the  same  state  of  insensibility, 
in  the  arms  of  Captain  Erskine  and  Lieutenant  Leslie, 
towards  the  hut  of  his  fellow  prisoner,  and  he  heard  the 
former  officer  enjoin  the  weeping  girl,  Babette,  to  whose 
charge  they  delivered  her  over,  to  pay  every  aUention  to 
her  her  situation  might  require.  The  detaclmient  tlien 
proceeded. 

The  narrow  but  deep  and  rapid  river  alluded  to  by  the 
Canadian,  as  running  midway  between  the  town  and 
Hog  Island,  derived  Its  source  far  within  the  forest,  and 
formed  the  bed  of  one  of  those  wild,  dark,  and  thickly 
wooded  ravines  s(,  common  in  America.  As  it  neared 
the  Detroit,  however,  the  abruptness  of  its  banks  was  so 
considerably  lessened,  as  to  render  the  approach  to  it  on 
the  town  side  over  an  almost  imperceptible  slope.  Within 


1 


even 
mand^ 
it  froi 
washej 
was  till 
o(  a  bo  J 
distinct 
they  ag 
,  On  the 
i  undulat 
;  half  a  rr 
;  the  imn 
I  TJiat,  a^ 
forest,  ta 
tcrmedia 
trees,  ani 
the  spoli 
the  murd 
less  open 
laden  ore 
hung  prii 
the  fort, 
lay  a  line 
non, even 
sweep  th{ 
M  to  the  for 
When 
of  the  bri 
the  last  g 


ri.:. 


ous  wife, 
he  might 
ised  him. 
rm  move- 
occupied, 
m  bound, 
Vhen  the 
or  closely 
jach ;  but 
e  soldier, 
rrayed  in 
lequivocal 
nras,  in  all 
L  betrayed 
hough  too 
le  feeling 
Dsorbedin 
Presently 
insibility, 
t  Leslie, 
Iheard  the 
to  whose 
,ention  to 
,ent  then 

to  by  the 

)wn  and 

(rest,  and 

thickly 

neared 

was  so 

|to  it  on 

I  Within 


WACOUSTA. 


143 


a  few  yards  of  its  mouth,  as  wc  have  already  observed,  a 
rufle  but  strong  v\rooden  bridge,  over  which  lay  the  high 
road  had  been  constructed  by  the  French ;  and  from  the 
centre  of  this,  all  the  circuit  of  intermediate  clearing, 
even  to  the  very  skirt  of  the  forest,  was  distinctly  com- 
manded by  the  naked  eye.  To  the  right,  on  approaching 
it  from  the  town,  lay  the  adjacent  shores  of  Canada, 
washed  by  the  broad  waters  of  the  Detroit,  on  which  it 
was  thrown  into  strong  relief,  and  which,  at  the  distance 
of  about  a  mile  in  front,  was  seen  to  diverge  into  two 
distinct  channels,  pursuing  each  a  separate  course,  until 
they  again  met  at  the  western  extremity  of  Hog  Island. 
On  the  lefl,  and  in  the  front,  rose  a  succession  of  slightly 
undulating  hills,  which,  at  a  distance  of  little  more  than 
lialf  a  mile,  terminated  in  an  elevation  considerably  above 
the  immediate  level  of  the  Detroit  side  of  the  ravine. 
That,  again,  was  crowned  with  thick  and  overhanging 
forest,  taking  its  circular  sweep  around  the  fort.  The  in- 
termediate ground  was  studded  over  with  rude  stumps  of 
trees,  and  bore,  in  various  directions,  distinct  proofs  of 
the  spoliation  wrought  among  the  infant  possessions  of 
the  murdered  English  settlers.  The  view  to  the  rear  was 
less  open ;  the  town  being  partially  hidden  by  the  fruit- 
laden  orchards  that  lined  the  intervening  high  road,  and 
hung  principally  on  its  left.  This  was  not  the  case  with 
the  fort.  Between  these  orchards  and  the  distant  forest 
lay  a  line  of  open  country,  fully  commanded  by  its  can- 
non, even  to  the  ravine  we  have  described,  and  in  a 
sweep  that  embraced  every  thing  from  the  bridge  itself 
to  the  forest,  in  which  all  traces  of  its  source  was  lost. 

When  the  detachment  had  arrived  within  twenty  yards 
of  the  bridge,  they  were  made  to  file  off  to  the  left,  until 
llie  last  gun  had  come  up.    They  were  then  fn>nted;  the 


■'■■  ■■'-  •'■  ^'^  ■■v^u^'vM 


^^■'  ■'•}m^ 


'■■<? 


:A"-<":J?'/'^i..--i': 


'      '  '.  '      • ' 

V.  ...      •  ,>  ■  f  ,w  I 

".■■■•        •-..[< 


■.'.:■■ .  %.. 


tin 


'1  ■:•:, 


a      I 


1'    '     • 

■Ml"' 

1  ' 

Ij,  ',•'■' 

If 

I    '  'l 


■I  :  VI,' 


■;■■■■'     vMl  .'"^'1 

''[■  '    '    «     ■        'i  ;|f'  '^^  '1     li'  ■; 


■'  ■..■«\i  ,  I    ■11 
'  ■    V.  .,  ,,  '■' 

l|  ■■    ■  -i':    ■>  '      .'    ■    4''. 


a  I'-i  ■]■)!'  ■■' 
ill;  ■■?   t' 


iei\.  '■ 


»:1 


Sr 


'„t   'I:  . 

tlllliliR'l*'f'U>:!  ■ 


144 


WAOOUSTA. 


rear  section  of  Captain  Erskine's  company  resting  on 
the  road,  and  the  left  flank,  covered  by  the  two  first  guns 
pointed  obliquely,  both  in  front  and  rear,  to  guard  against 
surprise,  in  the  event  of  any  of  the  Indians  stealing 
round  to  the  cover  of  the  orchards.  The  route  by  whick 
they  had  approached  this  spot  was  upwards  of  two  miles 
in  extent ;  but,  as  they  now  filed  off  into  the  open  ground, 
the  leading  sections  observed,  in  a  direct  line  over  the 
cleared  country,  and  at  the  distance  of  little  more  than 
three  quarters  of  a  mile,  the  dark  ramparts  of  the  fortress 
that  contained  their  comrades,  and  could  even  distinguisii 
the  uniforms  of  the  officers  and  men  drawn  up  in  line 
along  the  works,  where  they  were  evidently  assembled  to 
witness  the  execution  of  the  sentence  on  Halloway. 

Such  a  sight  as  that  of  the  English  so  far  from  their 
fort,  was  not  likely  to  escape  the  notice  of  the  Indians, 
Their  encampment,  as  the  Canadian  had  truly  stated,  lay 
within  the  forest,  and  beyond  the  elevated  ground  already 
alluded  to ;  and  to  have  crossed  the  ravine,  or  ventured 
out  of  reach  of  the  cannon  of  the  fort,  would  have  been 
to  have  sealed  the  destruction  of  the  detachment.  But 
the  officer  to  whom  their  security  was  entrusted,  although 
he  had  his  own  particular  views  for  venturing  thus  far, 
knew  also  at  what  point  to  stop ;  and  such  was  the  con- 
fidence of  his  men  in  his  skill  and  prudence,  they  would 
have  fearlessly  followed  wherever  he  might  have  chosen 
to  lead.  Still,  even  amid  all  the  solemnity  of  prepara- 
tion  attendant  on  the  duty  they  were  out  to  perform,  there 
was  a  natural  and  secret  apprehensiveness  about  each, 
that  caused  him  to  cast  his  eyes  frequently  and  fixedly 
on  that  part  of  the  forest  which  was  known  to  afford 
cover  to  their  merciless  foes.  At  times  they  fancied  they 
beheld  the  dark  and  flitting  forms  of  men  gliding  trom 


WACOUSTA. 


145 


'esting  on  i 
first  guns  j 
rd  against 
3  stealing! 
by  whicii 
two  miles  . 
3n  ground, 
B  over  tlie 
nore  than 
lie  fortress 
listinguisli 
up  in  linf 
sembledto 
way. 
from  tlieir 
le  Indians, 
stated,  lay 
ind  already 
Ir  ventured 
have  been 
ent.   But 
,  although 
thus  far, 
the  con- 
icy  would 
e  chosen 
prepara. 
irnit  there 
ut  each, 
[d  fixedly 
0  afford 
ied  they 
Ing  irom 


tree  to  tree  along  the  skirt  of  the  wood;  but  when  they 

jrazcd  again,  nothing  of  the  kind  was  to  be  seen,  and  the 

illusion  was  at  once  ascribed  to  the  heavy  state  of  the  at- 

jiiiospiiere,  and  the  action  of  their  own  precautionary  in- 

[stincts. 

Meanwhile  the  solemn  tragedy  of  death  was  preparing 

[in  mournful  silence.  On  the  centre  of  the  bridge,  and 
visible  to  those  even  within  the  fort,  was  placed  the  coffin 
of  Ilalloway,  and  at  twelve  paces  in  front  were  drawn  up 

I  the  six  rank  and  file  on  whom  had  devolved,  by  lot,  the 

5 ciucl  duty  of  the  day.  With  calm  and  fearless  eye  the 
prisoner  surveyed  the  preparations  for  his  approaching 
end ;  and  whatever  might  be  the  inward  workings  of  his 
mind,  there  was  not  among  the  assembled  soldiery  one 
individual  whose  countenance  betrayed  so  little  of  sorrow 
and  emotion  as  his  own.  With  a  firm  step,  when  sum- 
moned, he  moved  towards  the  fatal  coffin,  dashing  his  cap 
to  the  earth  as  he  advanced,  and  baring  his  chest  with  the 
characteristic  contempt  of  death  of  the  soldier.  When  he 
had  reached  the  centre  of  the  bridge,  he  turned  facing 
ills  comrades,  and  knelt  upon  the  coffin.    Captain  Bles- 

I  sington,  who,  permitted  by  the  governor,  had  followed 
him  with  a  sad  heart  and  heavy  step,  now  drew  a  prayer- 
book  from  his  pocket,  and  read  from  it  in  a  low  voice. 

•  He  then  closed  the  volume,  listened  to  something  the  pri- 
soner earnestly  communicated  to  him,  received  a  small 
packet  which  he  drew  from  the  bosom  of  his  shirt,  shook 
him  long  and  cordially  by  the  hand,  and  then  hastily  re- 
sumed his  post  at  the  head  of  the  detachment. 
The  principal  inhabitants  of  the  village,  led  by  curio* 

I  sity,  had  followed  at  a  distance  to  witness  the  execution 
of  the  condemned  soldier;  and  above  the  heads  of  the 
line,  and  crowning  the  slope,  were  collected  groups  of 

VOL.  I— 13 


.■4  -  •         ™ 


■  .■    '  I.    •"       .-Jr "  »    *■     «  ■" 


?    '.Am 


/ 


s 


^f'T 


.ifi 


i'i  ■  s  ^;,-! 


h^:f   :,.:.     ' 


Jt.'  ■'• 


t 


146 


WACOUSTA. 


both  sexes  and  of  all  ages,  that  gave  a  still  more  imposinj 
character  to  the  scene.     Every  eye  was  now  turned  upon 
the  firing  party,  who  only  awaited  the  signal  to  execute 
their  melancholy  office,  when  suddenly,  in  the  direction 
of  the  forest,  and  upon  the  extreme  height,  there  burst 
the  tremendous  and  deafening  yells  of  more  than  a  thou 
sand  savages.    For  an  instant  Halloway  was  forgotten  ir. 
the  instinctive  sense  of  individual  danger,  and  all  gazed 
eagerly  to  ascertain  the  movements  of  their  enemy.  Pre- 
sently a  man,  naked  to  the  waist,  his  body  and  face  be- 
smeared with  streaks  of  black  and  red  paint,  and  liis 
whole  attitude  expressing  despair  and  horror,  was  seec 
flying  down  the  height  with  a  rapidity  proportioned  to 
the  extreme  peril  in  which  he  stood.  At  about  tifly  pacss 
in  his  rear  followed  a  dozen  bomiding,  screaming  In- 
dians, armed  with  uplifted  tomahawks,  whose  anxiety  in 
pursuit  lent  them  a  speed  that  even  surpassed  the  efforts 
of  flight  itself.    It  was  evident  the  object  of  the  pursued 
was  to  reach  the  detachment,  that  of  the  pursuers  to  pre 
vent  him.    The  struggle  was  maintained  for  a  few  mo 
ments  with  equality,  but  in  the  end  the  latter  were  tri- 
umphant, and  at  each  step  the  distance  that  separated 
them  became  less.     At  the  first  alarm,  the  detacliiiunt, 
with  the  exception  of  the  firing  party,  who  still  occupitti 
their  ground,  had  been  thrown  into  square,  and,  witli  a 
gun  planted  in  each  angle,  awaited  the  attack  momenta 
rily  expected.     But  although  the  heights  were  now  alive 
with  the  dusky  forms  of  naked  warriors,  who,  iioiii  tli 
skirt  of  the  forest,  watched  the  exertions  of  their  ftllow?, 
the  pursuit  of  the  wretched  fugitive  was  confinid  I' 
these  alone.     Foremost  of  the  latter,  and  distinguislicd 
by  his  violent  exertions  and  fiendish  cries,  was  the  tiili 
and  wildly  attired  warrior  of  the  Fleur  do  lis.    At  every 


i 


WACOUSTA. 


147 


bound  he  gained  upon  his  victim.  Already  were  they 
descending  the  nearest  of  the  undulating  hills,  and  both 
now  became  conspicuous  objects  to  all  around ;  but  prin- 
cipally the  pursuer,  whose  gigantic  frame  and  extraordi 
nary  speed  riveted  every  oye,  even  while  the  interest  ot 
all  was  excited  for  the  wretched  fugitive  alone. 

At  that  moment  Halloway,  who  had  been  gazing  on 
the  scene  with  an  astonishment  little  inferior  to  that  ot 
liis  comrades,  sprang  suddenly  to  his  feet  upon  the  coffin, 
and  waving  his  hand  in  the  direction  of  the  pursuing 
enemy,  shouted  aloud  in  a  voice  of  mingled  joy  and 
triumph, — 

"  Ha !  Almighty  God,  I  thank  thee !  Here,  here  comes 
one  who  alone  has  the  power  to  snatch  me  from  my  im- 
pending doom." 

"  By  Heaven,  the  traitor  confesses,  and  presumes  to 
triumph  in  his  guilt,"  exclaimed  the  voice  of  one,  who, 
while  closely  attending  to  every  movement  of  the  In- 
dians, was  also  vigilantly  watching  the  effect  likely  to  be 
produced  on  the  prisoner  by  this  unexpected  interrup- 
tion.   "Corporal,  do  your  duty." 

"  Stay,  stay — one  moment  stay !"  implored  Halloway 
with  upUfted  hands. 

"  Do  your  duty,  sir,"  fiercely  repeated  the  governor. 

"  Oh  stop— for  God's  sake,  stop !  Another  moment  and 
ho  will  be  here,  and  I     ■    " 

He  said  no  more — a  dozen  bullets  penetrated  his  body 
—one  passed  directly  through  his  heart.  He  leaped  seve- 
ral foot  in  the  air,  and  then  fell  heavily,  a  lifeless  bleed- 
inp  corpse,  across  the  coffin. 

iMoanwhile  the  pursuit  of  the  fugitive  was  continued, 
l)uf  by  the  warrior  of  the  Fleur  de  lis  alone.  Aware  of 
tlioir  inefficiency  to  keep  pace  witli  this  singular  being, 


•■  Mi 


^^•^ 


,  ■'  V 
■  * , ' 


'  ill'.  'T* 


■in ■,'!  '■■'   " 


t'!  ■.' ;, 


J     -I-      ,  '■ 

(■  '   I  I,'  '  ■  - 
it  ■      .     /  -I 


•■   ■.|'^  -ii; 


'      1  IT 


'  .'  !  - 


^1^ 


:>■  J 

i ' 

•  tl 

f 

.      V. 

( 

,  \' 

I 

i 

1 

4 

'' 

'(!  :,,,l 


1 


.■  k-'l 


k*      ': 


*  .;'■;  ^ji 


p 


»     .1  I 


1  ■!'  i  '   '4  "  '  '*• 


••'jii.' 


i 


148 


WACOUSTA. 


his  companions  had  relinquished  the  chase,  and  now 
stood  resting  on  the  brow  of  the  hill  where  the  wretched 
Halloway  had  first  recognised  his  supposed  deliverer 
watching  eagerly,  though  within  musket  shot  of  the 
detachment,  the  result  of  a  race  on  which  so  mucli 
apparently  depended.  Neither  party,  however,  attempted 
to  interfere  with  the  other,  for  all  eyes  were  now  turned 
on  the  flying  man  and  his  pursuer  with  an  interest  that 
denoted  the  extraordinary  efforts  of  the  one  to  evade  and 
the  other  to  attain  the  accomplishment  of  his  object. 
The  immediate  course  taken  was  in  a  direct  line  for  the 
ravine,  which  it  evidently  was  the  object  of  the  fugitive 
to  clear  at  its  nearest  point.  Already  had  he  approached 
within  a  few  paces  of  its  brink,  and  every  eye  was  fas. 
tened  on  the  point  where  it  was  expected  the  doubtfiil 
leap  would  be  taken,  when  suddenly,  as  if  despairing  to 
accomplish  it  at  a  bound,  he  turned  to  the  Icfl,  and  whid- 
ing  along  its  bank,  renewed  his  efforts  in  the  direction  of 
the  bridge.  This  movement  occasioned  a  change  in  the 
position  of  the  parties,  which  was  favourable  to  the  pur- 
sued. Hitherto  they  had  been  so  immediately  on  a  line 
with  each  other,  it  was  impossible  for  the  detachment  to 
bring  a  musket  to  bear  upon  the  warrior,  without  en- 
dangering  him  whose  Hfc  they  were  anxious  to  preserve, 
For  a  moment  or  two  his  body  was  fairly  exposed,  and  a 
dozen  muskets  were  discharged  at  intervals  from  the 
square,  but  all  without  success.  Recovering  his  losi 
ground,  he  soon  brought  the  pursued  again  in  a  lino  be- 
tween himself  and  the  detachment,  edging  rapidly  nearer 
to  him  ns  lie  advanced,  and  uttering  terrific  yells,  that 
were  echoed  back  from  his  companions  on  the  brow  of 
the  hill.  It  was  evident,  however,  liis  object  was  the  re- 
capture, not  tlie  destruction,  of  the  flying  man,  for  more 


Atri;,.;: 


and  now 
wretched 
deliverer, 
)t  of  the 
so  much 
ittempted 
>w  turned 
ercst  that 
Jvade  and 
is  object. 
le  for  the 
B  fugitive 
3proached 
J  was  fas- 
)  doubtfiil 
[miring  to 
and  wind- 
irectionof 
gc  in  the 
I  the  pur- 
on  a  line 
hment  to 
hout  en. 
preserve, 
d,  and  a 
Tom  the 
his  lost 
line  ho- 
ly nearer 
ills,  that 
brow  (if 
tlic  re- 
)r  more 


WAC0I7STA. 


149 


m 


than  once  did  he  brandish  his  menacing  tomahawk  in 
rapid  sweeps  around  his  head,  as  if  preparing  to  dart  it, 
and  as  often  did  he  check  the  movement.     The  scene  at 
each  succeeding  moment  became  more  critical  and  in- 
tensely interesting.    The  strength  of  the  pursued  was 
now  nearly  exhausted,  while  that  of  his  formidable  enemy 
seemed  to  suffer  no  diminution.     Leap  afl;er  leap  he  took 
with  fearful  superiority,  sideling  as  he  advanced.    Al- 
ready had  he  closed  upon  his  victim,  while  with  a  spring- 
ing effort  a  large  and  bony  hand  was  extended  to  secure 
his  shoulder  in   his    grasp.     The    effort   was  fatal  to 
him ;  for  in  reaching  too  far  he  lost  his  balance,  and  fell 
heavily  upon  the  sward.    A  shout  of  exultation  burst 
from  the  English  troops,  and  numerous  voices  now  en- 
couraged the  pursued  to  renew  his  exertions.    The  ad- 
ice  was  not  lost;  and  although  only  a  few  seconds  had 
lapsed  between  the  fall  and  recovery  of  his  pursuer,  the 
wretched  fugitive  had  already  greatly  increased  the  dis- 
tance that  separated  them.    A  cry  of  savage  rage  and 
disappointment  burst  from  the  lips  of  the  gigantic  war- 
rior ;  and  concentrating  all  his  remaining  strengtli  and 
speed  into  one  final  effort,  he  bounded  and  leapt  like  a  deer 
of  the  forest  whence  he  came.    The  opportunity  for  re- 
capture, liowever,  had  been  lost  in  his  fall,  for  already 
ihc  pursued  was  within  a  few  feet  of  the  high  road,  and 
on  the  point  of  turning  the  extremity  of  the  bridge.  One 
only  resource  was  now  left :  the  warrior  suddenly  checked 
himself  in  his  course,  and  remained   stationary;   then 
raising  and  dropping  his  glittering  weapon  sf^veral  times 
ill  a  balancing  position,  he  waited  until  the  pursued  had 
gained  the  highest  point  of  the  open  bridge.     At  that 
moment  tiie  glittering  steel,  aimed  with  singular  accuracy 
and  precision,  ran  whistling  through  the  air,  and  witli 

13* 


■■{'■ 


,' '     '(■>'    i;  •*■■■ 


^■ 


}  H 


« 1;  "■  ■  II 


m<M 


VA'' 


*!••;  .■ 


fhim  .'"• 


i.-{fl 


iii''  ' 

1- 


'•■■Hi:;  i: ,1' 


i 


h -i  *■'♦  '■Jl' 


II,        -l. 


im 


!  *■   >i 


150 


WACOUSTA. 


such  velocity  of  movement  as  to  be  almost  invisible  to 
the  eyes  of  those  who  attempted  to  follow  it  in  its  threat- 
ening course.  All  expected  to  see  it  enter  into  the  brain 
against  which  it  had  been  directed ;  but  the  fugitive  had 
marked  the  movement  in  time  to  save  himself  by  stooping 
low  to  the  earth,  while  the  weapon,  passing  over  him,  en. 
tered  with  a  deadly  and  crashing  sound  into  the  brain  of 
the  weltering  corpse.  This  danger  passed,  he  spranj 
once  more  to  his  feet,  nor  paused  again  in  his  flight  until, 
faint  and  exhausted,  he  sank  without  motion  under  tiic 
very  bayonets  of  the  firing  party. 

A  new  direction  was  now  given  to  the  interest  of  tlie 
assembled  and  distinct  crowds  that  had  witnessed  tliesc 
startling  incidents.  Scarcely  had  the  wretched  man 
gained  the  protection  of  the  soldiery,  when  a  shriek  di. 
vided  the  air,  so  wild,  so  piercing,  and  so  unearthly,  that  |^ 
even  the  warrior  of  the  Fleur  de  lis  seemed  to  lose  siglit 
of  his  victim,  in  the  harrowing  interest  produced  by  tiiat 
dreadful  scream.  All  turned  their  eyes  for  a  moment  in 
the  quarter  whence  it  proceeded;  when  presently,  from 
behind  the  groups  of  Canadians  crowning  the  slope,  was 
seen  flying,  with  the  rapidity  of  thought,  one  who  resem- 
bled rather  a  spectre  than  a  being  of  earth  ; — it  was  tiie 
wife  of  Halloway.  Her  long  fair  hair  was  wild  and 
streaming — her  feet;  and  legs,  and  arms  were  naked- 
and  one  solitary  and  scanty  garment  displayed  ratlier 
than  concealed  the  symmetry  of  her  delicate  person. 
She  flew  to  the  fatal  bridge,  threw  herself  on  the  body  of 
her  bleeding  husband,  and  imprinting  her  warm  kisses  on 
his  bloody  lips,  for  a  moment  or  two  presented  the  image 
of  one  whose  reason  has  fled  for  ever.  Suddenly  slit 
started  from  the  earth ;  her  face,  her  hands,  and  her  gar 
ment  so  saturated  with  the  blood  of  her  husband,  that  a 


visible  to 
is  threat- 
the  brain 
ritive  had 
*■  stoopinj 
r  him,  en. 
e  brain  of 
le  spranj 
ight  until, 
under  tlic 


WACOUSTA. 


151 


feeling  of  horror  crept  throughout  the  veins  of  all  who 
beheld  her.    She  stood  upon  the  cofRn,  and  across  the 

f,Qrp»e raised  her  eyes  and  hands  imploringly  to  Heaven 

and  then,  in  accents  wilder  even  than  her  words,  ut- 
tered an  imprecation  that  sounded  like  the  prophetic 
warning  of  some  unholy  spirit. 

"Inhuman  murderer!"  she  exclaimed,  in  tones  that 
almost  paralysed  the  ears  on  which  it  fell,  "  if  there  be  a 
God  of  justice  and  of  truth,  he  will  avenge  this  devilish 
deed.  Yes,  Colonel  de  Haldimar,  a  prophetic  voice 
whispers  to  my  soul,  that  even  as  I  have  seen  perish  be- 
fore my  eyes  all  I  loved  on  earth,  without  mercy  and 
without  hope,  so  even  shall  you  witness  the  destruction 
of  your  accursed  race.  Here — here — here,"  and  she 
pointed  downwards,  with  singular  energy  of  action,  to 
tiie  corpse  of  her  husband,  "  here  shall  their  blood  flow 
till  every  vestige  of  his  own  is  washed  away ,  and  oh,  if 
there  be  spared  one  branch  of  thy  detested  family,  may 
it  be  only  that  they  may  be  reserved  for  some  death 
too  horrible  to  be  conceived !" 

Overcome  by  the  frantic  energy  with  which  she  had 
uttered  these  appalling  words,  she  sank  backwards,  and 
fell,  uttering  another  shriek^  into  the  arms  of  the  warrior 
of  the  Fleur  dc  lis,  who  bore  oft  his  prize  in  triumph,  and 
fled,  with  nearly  the  same  expedition  he  had  previously 
manifested,  in  the  direction  of  the  forest,  before  any  one 
could  recover  sufficiently  from  the  effect  of  the  scene 
to  think  even  of  interfering. 


mm 


■  -h    ■  ■:«*■• 


■I 


1.! 


'..    f.'   ■'I'r't.^ 


■    , '> 


.i' 


:  ■.'<! 


t    ' 


■\(. 


\<^- 


'  111    I   '     '■  I  J  i   "   I  .^  .  11  ■       "■ 


■IT' ill 


:"i/E;i 


'  *:  f:'  -Ml 

:  11 


■t,   '.ii,, 

.,       nil' 


■^i-M 


i 


i 


i^ 


■I-    !    '       #■  1     '  'ii  ■, 

.1   '■••#"'""^ 


I' 


m 


152 


WACOUSTA. 


CHAPTER  XI. 


It  was  on  the  evening  of  that  day,  so  fertile  in  melan- 
choly incident,  to  which  the  previous  pages  have  been  de. 
voted,  that  the  drawbridge  of  Detroit  was,  for  the  third 
time  since  the  investment  of  the  garrison,  lowered;  not,as 
previously,  with  a  disregard  of  the  intimation  that  might 
be  given  to  those  without  by  the  sullen  and  echoing  rattle 
of  its  ponderous  chains,  but  with  a  caution  attesting 
how  much  secrecy  of  purpose  was  sought  to  be  preserved. 
There  was,  however,  no  array  of  armed  men  within  the 
walls,  that  denoted  an  expedition  of  a  hostile  character. 
Overcome  with  the  harassing  duties  of  the  day,  the 
chief  portion  of  the  troops  had  retired  to  rest,  and  a  few 
groups  of  the  guard  alone  were  to  be  seen  walking  up 
and  down  in  front  of  their  post,  apparently  with  a  view 
to  check  the  influence  of  midnight  drowsiness,  but,  in 
reality,  to  witness  the  result  of  certain  preparations 
going  on  by  torchlight  in  the  centre  of  the  barrack 
square. 

In  the  midst  of  an  anxious  group  of  officers,  compris- 
ing nearly  all  of  that  rank  within  the  fort,  stood  two 
individuals,  attired  in  a  costume  having  nothing  in  com- 
mon with  the  gay  and  martial  habiliments  of  the  former. 
They  were  tall,  handsome  young  men,  whose  native 
elegance  of  carriage  was  but  imperfectly  hidden  under 


m 


^"-'U.r 


WACOUSTA. 


153 


an  equipment  evidently  adopted  for,  and  otherwise  fully 
answering,  the  purpose  of  disguise.  A  blue  cotton  shell 
jacket,  closely  fitting  to  the  person,  trowsers  of  the  same 
material,  a  pair  of  strong  deer-skin  moccasins,  and  a 
coloured  handkerchief  tied  loosely  round  the  collar  of  a 
checked  shirt,  the  whole  surmounted  by  a  rough  blanket 
coat  formed  the  principal  portion  of  their  garb.  Each, 
moreover,  wore  a  false  queue  of  a\,at  nine  inches  in 
length,  the  effect  of  which  was  completely  to  change 
the  character  of  the  countenance,  and  lend  to  the  fea- 
tures a  Canadian-like  expression.  A  red  worsted  cap, 
resembling  a  bonnet  de  nuitf  was  thrown  carelessly 
over  the  side  of  the  head,  which  could,  at  any  moment, 
when  deeper  disguise  should  be  deemed  necessary,  com- 
mand the  additional  protection  of  the  rude  hood  that  fell 
back  upon  the  shoulders  from  the  collar  of  the  coat  to 
which  it  was  attached.  Into  a  broad  belt,  that  encircled 
the  jacket  of  each,  were  thrust  a  brace  of  pistols  and  a 
strong  dagger ;  the  whole  so  disposed,  however,  as  to  be 
invisible  when  the  outer  garment  was  closed:  this, 
again,  was  confined  by  a  rude  sash  of  worsted  of  differ- 
ent colours,  not  unlike,  in  texture  and  quality,  what  is 
worn  by  our  sergeants  at  the  present  day.  They  were 
otherwise  armed,  however,  and  in  a  less  secret  manner. 
Across  the  right  shoulder  of  each  was  thrown  a  belt  of 
worsted  also,  to  which  were  attached  a  rude  powder 
horn  and  shot  pouch,  with  a  few  straggling  bullets, 
placed  there  as  if  rather  by  accident  than  design.  Each 
held  carelessly  in  his  Icfl  hand,  and  vvith  its  butt  rest- 
ing on  the  earth,  a  long  gun ;  completing  an  appearance, 
the  attainment  of  which  had,  in  all  probability,  been 
sedulously  sought,— that  of  a  Canadian  duck-hunter. 
A  metamorphosis    so    ludicrously  operated  in  the 


:f?'«s 


^m 


^m 


^f 


M 


■i,in 


■>*'?•'.'<■ 


.•iiiC 


'ff- 


M 


.  .t, 


T  ■;    ;:!  ■  I  >  -il.,!     .  ■■■•  ■; 


it.-' 


s.i.,:.i  "i:?,   I  :'v;  >».  ■   '; 


I'flii',:  ,"1. :.;■'' 'I  t-i 

I   'li  ;■'    ^r  '  ■ '  j'  '■: 


urn 


1 


I . 


i  .i 


,,^; 


.'II' 


r     „  ,j'  ■ ! ,  ' i;''i.5a]W 
ill  .■■^,,i  ■    ■,;''!';; 


1]    M 


'(■MIS,     ,  .       i-      '       '  i       tl 


I!,    M 


V   ■    t' 


164 


WACOUSTA. 


usually  elegant  costume  of  two  young  English  officers, 
— for  such  they  were, — might  have  been  expected  to 
afford  scope  to  the  pleasantry  of  their  companions,  and 
to  call  forth  those  sallies  which  the  intimacy  of  friend. 
ship  and  the  freemasonry  of  the  profession  would  have 
fully  justified.  But  the  events  that  had  occurred  in  such 
rapid  succession,  since  the  preceding  midnight,  were 
still  painfully  impressed  on  the  recollection  of  all,  anii 
some  there  were  who  looked  as  if  they  never  would 
smile  again;  neither  laugh  nor  jeering,  therefore,  es. 
caped  the  lips  of  one  of  the  surrounding  group.  Every 
countenance  wore  a  cast  of  thought, — a  character  of 
abstraction,  ill  suited  to  the  indulgence  of  levity ;  and 
the  little  conversation  that  passed  between  them  was  io 
a  low  and  serious  tone.  It  was  evident  some  powerfal 
and  absorbing  dread  existed  in  the  mind  of  each,  induc- 
ing him  rather  to  indulge  in  communion  with  his  own 
thoughts  and  impressions,  than  to  communicate  them  to 
others.  Even  the  governor  himself  had,  for  a  moment, 
put  off  his  usual  distance,  to  assume  an  air  of  unfeigned 
concern,  and  it  might  be  dejection,  contrasting  strongly 
with  his  habitual  haughtiness.  Hitherto  he  had  been 
walking  to  and  fro,  a  little  apart  from  the  group,  and 
with  a  hurriedness  and  indecision  of  movement  that 
betrayed  to  all  the  extreme  agitation  of  his  mind.  IV 
once,  however,  he  appeared  to  be,  if  not  insensible  to 
observation,  indifferent  to  whatever  comments  might  be 
formed  or  expressed  by  those  who  witnessed  his  emotion, 
He  was  at  length  interrupted  by  the  adjutant,  wiio  com- 
municated something  in  a  low  voice. 

"  Let  him  be  brought  up,  Mr.  Lawson,"  was  the  reply. 
Then  advancing  into  the  heart  of  the  group,  and  ad- 
dressing the  two  adventurers,  he  enquired,  in  a  tone  that 


h  officers, 
pected  to 
lions,  and 
of  friend. 
ould  have 
ed  in  such 
ight,  were 
of  all,  and 
ver  would 
irefore,  es. 
ip.    Every 
iiaracter  of 
evity;  and 
Lem  was  in 
le  powerful 
lacli,  indue- 
ith  his  own  j 
ate  them  to 
a  moment, 
unfeigned 
g  strongly 
e  had  been 
roup,  and 
ment  that 
lind.   I'u! 
sensible  to 
is  might  be 
lis  emoiion. 
who  com- 


WACOUSTA. 


165 


■:i 


startled  from  its  singular  mildness,  "  if  they  were  pro- 
vided with  every  thing  they  required." 

An  affirmative  reply  was  given,  when  the  governor, 
taking  the  taller  of  the  young  men  aside,  conversed 
with  him  earnestly,  and  in  a  tone  of  affection  strangely 
blended  with  despondency.  The  interview,  however, 
was  short,  for  Mr.  Lawson  now  made  his  appearance, 
conducting  an  individual  who  has  already  been  intro- 
duced to  our  readers.  It  was  the  Canadian  of  the  Fleur 
de  lis.  The  adjutant  placed  a  small  wooden  crucifix  in 
the  hands  of  the  governor. 

"  Fran9ois,"  said  the  latter,  impressively,  "  you  know 
the  terms  on  which  I  have  consented  to  spare  your  life. 
Swear,  then,  by  this  cross ;  that  you  will  be  faithful  to 
your  trust ;  that  neither  treachery  nor  evasion  shall  be 
practised;  and  that  you  will,  to  the  utmost  of  your 
power,  aid  in  conveying  these  gentlemen  to  their  desti- 
nation.   Kneel  and  swear  it." 

"  I  do  swear  it !"  fervently  repeated  the  aubergiste, 
kneeling  and  imprinting  his  lips  /ith  becoming  reve- 
rence on  the  symbol  of  martyrdom.  "  I  swear  to  do  dat 
I  shall  engage,  and  may  de  bon  Dieu  have  mercy  to  my 
soul  as  I  shall  fulfil  my  oat." 

"  Amen,"  pronounced  the  governor, "  and  may  Heaven 
doal  by  you  even  as  you  deal  by  us.  Bear  in  mind, 
moreover,  that  as  your  treachery  will  be  punished,  so 
also  shall  your  fidelity  be  rewarded.  But  the  night 
wears  apace,  and  ye  have  much  to  do."  Then  turning 
to  the  young  officers  who  were  to  be  his  companions, — 
'^  God  bless  you  both  ;  may  your  enterprise  be  success- 
ful !  I  fear,"  offering  his  hand  to  the  younger,  "  I  have 
[  I  spoken  harshly  to  you,  but  at  a  moment  like  the  present 


■'■■ -K  •;-:':« 

t .  ■  .'is  w,     ', ,  ^  ■  ■^. .ym,Jlm'  ■■ ' 


■** , 


■'■■•.      ■•   ifitM 
(.■■■•;  .•■  ;  .i  ,|i'm«i 


■  ■■*M 


ll    ." 


•-:■«'. 


:  ( 


I  ■■.*% 


ai ;'' 


^r.'"' 


\U''A  • 


'-'  -.J'  '  i  .1*  ♦li- 


"   '*!-i,V«J  ■'■AT"H 


'Jl 


i't':: 


liJ^I 


'it 


m 


B  ''t.iflr  i-W*  •iii;''»i| 


1,.' 


'i  ■  1,. ..;: ' ,  '-■ 


v^ 

♦       ^  * 


166 


WACOUSTA. 


you  will  no  longer  cherish  a  recollection  of  the  unplea< 
sant  past." 

The  only  answer  was  a  cordial  return  of  his  own 
pressure.  The  Canadian  in  his  turn  now  announced 
the  necessity  for  instant  departure,  when  the  young 
men,  following  his  example,  threw  their  long  guns  care- 
lessly  over  the  left  shoulder.  Low,  rapid,  and  fervent 
adieus  were  uttered  on  both  sides;  and  although  the 
hands  of  the  separating  parties  met  only  in  a  short  and 
hurried  grasp,  there  was  an  expression  in  the  touch  of 
each  that  spoke  to  their  several  hearts  long  after  the 
separation  had  actually  taken  place. 

"  Stay  one  moment !"  exclaimed  a  voice,  as  the  httle 
party  now  moved  towards  the  gate- way  ;  '*  ye  are  both 
gallantly  enough  provided  without,  but  have  forgotten 
there  is  something  quite  as  necessary  to  sustain  the  in- 
ward man.  Duck  shooting,  you  know,  is  wet  work. 
The  last  lips  that  were  moisteneed  from  this,"  he  pro- 
ceeded, as  the  younger  of  the  disguised  men  threw  the 
strap  of  the  proffered  canteen  over  his  shoulder, "  were 
those  of  poor  Ellen  Halloway." 

The  mention  of  that  name,  so  heedlessly  pronounced 
by  the  brave  but  inconsiderate  Erskine,  produced  a 
startling  effect  on  the  taller  of  the  departing  officers. 
He  struck  his  brow  violently  with  his  hand,  uttered  a 
faint  groan,  and  bending  his  head  upon  his  chest,  stood 
in  an  attitude  expressive  of  the  deep  suffering  of  his 
mind.  The  governor,  too,  appeared  agitated:  and 
sounds  like  those  of  suppressed  sobs  came  from  one  wiio 
lingered  at  the  side  of  him  who  had  accepted  the  oifer 
of  the  canteen.  The  remainder  of  the  officers  pre* 
served  a  deep  and  mournful  silence. 

**  It  is  times  dat  we  should  start,"  again  observed  the 


WACOrSTA. 


167 


Canadian,  "or  we  shall  be  taken  by  de  daylight  before 
we  can  clear  de  river." 

This  intimation  once  more  aroused  the  slumbering* 
energies  of  the  taller  officer.  Again  he  drew  up  his 
commanding  figure,  extended  his  hand  to  the  governor 
in  silence,  and  turning  abruptly  round,  hastened  to  fol- 
low close  in  the  footsteps  of  his  conductor. 

»  You  will  not  forget  all  I  have  said  to  you,"  whis- 
pered the  voice  of  one  who  had  reserved  his  parting  for 
the  last,  and  who  now  held  the  hand  of  the  younger  ad- 
venturer closely  clasped  in  his  own.  "  Think,  oh,  think 
how  much  depends  on  the  event  of  your  dangerous  en- 
terprise." 

"When  you  behold  me  again,"  was  the  reply,  »»it  will 
be  with  smiles  on  my  lip  and  gladness  in  my  heart;  for 
if  we  fail,  there  is  that  within  me,  which  whispers  I 
shall  never  see  you  more.  But  keep  up  your  spirits  and 
hope  for  the  best.  We  embark  under  cheerless  auspices, 
it  is  true ;  but  let  us  -trust  to  Providence  for  success  in 
60  good  a  cause, — God  bless  you !" 

In  the  next  minute  he  had  joined  his  companions ; 
who,  with  light  and  noiseless  tread,  were  already  pur- 
suing their  way  along  the  military  road  that  led  to  the 
eastern  extremity  of  the  town.  Soon  afterwards,  the 
heavy  chains  of  the  drawbridge  were  heard  grating  on 
the  ear,  in  despite  of  the  evident  caution  used  in  restor- 
ing it  to  its  wonted  position,  and  all  again  was  still. 

It  had  at  first  been  suggested  their  course  should  he 
held  in  an  angular  direction  across  the  cleared  country 
alluded  to  in  our  last  chapter,  in  order  to  avoid  all 
chance  of  recognition  in  the  town ;  but  as  this  might 
have  led  them  into  more  dangerous  contact  with  some 
of  the  outlying  parties  of  Indians,  who  were  known  to 

VOL.  I.— 14 


,  ,}•: 


■  ■'    r .  I"^:,'■  V 
11      ■■■  K   ■■.'■ 


,«::*., 


■..•JvkJ, 


ill;;  'f^^V-'M/'  ■-,,  ■• 


Im  !  ;i  'M    ■■  ,i '   i  ill    ;!.i    ij 


MM 


'■mm 


<f  'm. 


.,  i-;i    ,,;''l 


».>;'!  'i«-y  :/■' 


158 


WACOUSTA. 


prowl  around  the  fort  at  night,  this  plan  had  been  aban* 
doned  for  the  more  circuitous  and  safe  passage  by  the 
village.  Through  this  our  little  party  now  pursued 
their  way,  and  without  encountering  aught  to  impede 
their  progress.  The  simple  mannered  inhabitants  had 
long  since  retired  to  rest,  and  neitiier  light  nor  sound 
denoted  the  existence  of  man  or  beast  within  its  pre. 
cincts.  At  length  they  reached  that  part  of  the  road 
which  turned  off  abruptly  in  the  direction  of  the  Fleur 
de  lis.  The  rude  hut  threw  its  dark  shadows  across 
their  path,  but  all  was  still  and  deathlike  as  in  the  village 
they  had  just  quitted.  Presently,  however,  as  they  drew 
nearer,  they  behold,  reflected  from  one  of  the  upper  win. 
dows,  a  faint  light  that  fell  upon  the  ground  immediately 
in  front  of  the  auberge ;  and,  at  intervals,  the  figure  of  a 
human  being  approaching  and  receding  from  it  as  if  in 
the  act  of  pacing  the  apartment. 

An  instinctive  feeling  of  danger  rose  at  the  same  mo- 
ment  to  the  hearts  of  the  young  officers ;  and  each, 
obeying  the  same  impulse,  unfastened  one  of  the  large 
horn  buttons  of  his  blanket  coat,  and  thrust  his  ri^ht 
hand  into  the  opening. 

**  Fran9ois,  recollect  your  oatli,"  hastily  aspirated  the 
elder  as  he  grasped  the  band  of  their  conductor  rather 
in  supplication  than  in  threat ;  **  if  there  be  aught  to 
harm  us  here,  your  own  life  will  most  assuredly  pay  the 
forfeit  of  your  faith." 

"  It  is  nothing  but  a  womans,"  calmly  returned  the 
Canadian  ;  "  it  is  my  Babette  who  is  sorry  at  my  loss. 
But  I  shall  come  and  tell  you  directly." 

He  then  stole  gently  round  the  corner  of  the  hut, 
leaving  his  anxious  companions  in  the  rear  of  the  little 
building,  and  completely  veiled  in  the  obscurity  pro- 


I, I  .'.1-. 
till!' 


WACOUSTA. 


159 


duccd  by  the  mingling^  shadows  of  the  hut  itself,  and  a 
few  tall  pear  trees  that  overhung  the  paling  of  the 
orchard  at  some  yards  from  the  spot  on  which  they  stood< 

They  waited  some  minutes  to  hear  the  result  of  the 
Canadian's  admittance  into  his  dwelling  ;  but  although 
each  with  suppressed  breathing  sought  to  catch  those 
sounds  of  welcome  with  which  a  daughter  might  be 
supposed  to  greet  a  parent  so  un'^xpectedly  restored,  they 
listened  in  vain.  At  length,  hov  ever,  while  the  ears  of 
both  were  on  the  rack  to  drink  in  the  tones  of  a  human 
voice,  a  faint  scream  floated  on  the  hushed  air,  and  all 
again  was  still. 

'•  Good !"  whispered  the  elder  of  the  officer;  j  *'that 
scream  is  sweeter  to  my  ear  than  the  scriort  accents  of 
woman's  love.  It  is  evident  the  ordinary;  tonc3  of  speech 
cannot  find  their  way  to  us  here  from  the  front  of  the 
hut.  The  iaintness  of  yon  cry,  which  was  unquestion- 
ably that  of  a  female,  is  a  convincing  proof  of  it." 

'•'•  Hist !"  urged  his  companion,  in  the  same  almost 
inaudible  whisper,  "  what  sound  was  that  ?" 

Both  again  listened  attentively,  when  the  noise  was 
repeated.  It  came  from  the  orchard,  and  resembled  the 
sound  produced  by  the  faint  crash  of  rotten  sticks  and 
leaves  under  the  cautious  but  r, ii '  .oidably  rending  tread 
of  a  human  foot.  At  intervals  it  ceased,  as  if  the  per- 
son treading,  alarmed  at  his  own  noise,  was  apprehensive 
of  betraying  his  approach  ,  and  then  recommenced,  only 
to  be  checked  in  the  same  manner.  Finally  it  ceased 
altogether.  For  upwards  of  five  minutes  the  young 
men  continued  to  listen  for  a  renewal  of  the  sound,  but 
nothing  was  now  audible,  save  the  short  and  fitful  gusts 
of  a  rising  wind  among  the  txees  of  the  orchard. 

'^  It  must  have  been  some  wild  animal  in  search  of  its 


'•'i-  I 


.  ( 


-I' 


ii  ;  1  ■ 
■i  . 


'■'  w)'#-'  ■■■■■ '  :>.:■■ 


i'Mkm 


,1   .    ,  ii      I  [■,      ■  1j  '», , ,     T  

■r  •  ■'  ■■,     <Vi  Xk'  '     ■"•i.i    . 


fiH:!-  ■';-i;a"'nv'  ^?.^fe■ 


.1 


■J  ■vt^!^!,;-!   ;„•"  ^, 


'  III.]    1  ',\Ahii-  ••■'«■ 


i'''lii  '■•^^Ai': '><*#■ 


I 


r*  't^"*^' 


It.  I!: 


160 


WACOUSTA. 


prey,"  again  whispered  the  younger  officer;  "had  it 
been  a  man,  we  should  have  heard  him  leap  the  paling 
before  this." 

**  By  Heaven,  we  are  betrayed, — here  he  is,"  quickly 
rejoined  the  other,  in  the  same  low  tone.    "  Keep  close 
to  the  hut,  and  stand  behind   me.     If  my  dagger  fail, 
you  must  try  your  own.    But  fire  not,  on  your  life,  un- 
less  there  be  more  than  two,  for  the  report  of  a  pistol 
will  be  the  destruction  of  ourselves  and  all  that  are  dear 
to  us."     Each  with  uplifted  arm  now  stood  ready  lo 
strike,  even  while  his  heart  throbbed  with  a  sense  of 
danger,  that  had  far  more  than  the  mere  dread  of  per- 
sonal sutFering  or  death  to  stimulate  to  exertion  in  self- 
defence.    Footsteps  were  now  distinctly  heard  stealing 
round  that  part  of  the  hut  which  bordered  on  the  road; 
and  the  young  men  turned  from  the  orchard,  to  which 
their  attention  had  previously  been  directed,  towards 
the  new  quarter  whence  they  were  intruded  upon. 

It  was  fortunate  this  mode  of  approach  had  been  se- 
lected. That  part  of  the  hut  which  rested  on  the  road 
was  so  exposed  as  to  throw  the  outline  of  objects  into 
strong  relief,  whereas  in  the  direction  of  the  thickly 
wooded  orchard  all  was  impenetrable  gloom.  Hud  the 
intruder  stolen  unannounced  upon  the  alarmed  but  de- 
termined officers  by  the  latter  route,  the  dagger  of  tlic 
first  would  in  all  probability  have  been  plunged  lo  its 
hilt  in  his  bosom.  As  it  was,  each  had  sufficient  pre- 
sence of  mind  to  distinguish,  as  it  now  doubled  the 
corner  of  the  hut,  and  reposed  upon  the  road,  tlio  stout 
square-set  figure  of  the  Canadian.  Tlio  daggers  were 
instantly  restored  to  their  sheaths,  and  each,  for  the 
first  time  since  the  departure  of  their  compunion,  n- 
spired  freely.    •'  It  is  quite  well,"  whispered  tiio  latter 


■, 

as  hi 

m 

tougl 

m 

she  h 

m 

minut 

H 

istos 

K 

"W 

I 

urged 

B 

in  time 

the  Dej 
"But 

answer, 
which  ] 
not  wait 
fire,  and 
get  it  all 
They( 
dian,  whc 
pedition  v 
appearanc 
posed  to  1 
without  m 
selves.    U 
visa  bio  rati 
than,  by  • 
and  neutra 
cherish  in  i 
were  confir 
tached  by  1 
solemnly  p 
conviction 
stood  expos 
hially  a  hur 
This  last  re 


WACOUSTA. 


161 


as  he  approached.  "It  was  my  poor  Babette,  who 
tought  I  was  gone  to  be  kill.  She  scream  so  loud,  as  if 
she  had  seen  my  ghost.  But  we  must  wait  a  few 
minute  in  de  house,  and  you  shall  see  how  glad  my  girl 
is  to  see  me  once  again." 

"  Why  this  delay,  Fran9ois  ?  why  not  start  directly  ?" 
urged  the  taller  officer ;  "  we  shall  never  clear  the  river 
in  time ;  and  if  the  dawn  catches  us  in  the  waters  of 
the  Detroit  we  are  lost  for  ever." 

"But  you  see  I  am  not  quite  prepare  yet,"  was  the 
answer.  "  I  have  many  tings  to  get  ready  for  de  canoe, 
which  I  have  not  use  for  a  long  times.  But  you  shall 
not  wait  ten  minute,  if  you  do  not  like.  Dere  is  a  good 
fire,  and  Babette  shall  give  you  some  ting  to  eat  while  I 
get  it  ail  ready." 

The  young  men  hesitated.  The  delay  of  the  Cana- 
dian, who  had  so  repeatedly  urged  the  necessity  for  ex- 
pedition while  in  the  fort,  had,  to  say  the  least  of  it,  an 
appearance  of  incongruity.  Still  it  was  evident,  if  dis- 
posed to  harm  them  he  had  full  opportunity  to  do  so 
without  much  risk  of  effectual  opposition  from  them- 
selves. Under  all  circumstances,  therefore,  it  was  ad- 
visable rather  to  appear  to  confide  implicitly  in  his  truth, 
than,  by  manifesting  suspicion,  to  pique  his  self-love, 
and  neutralise  whatever  favourable  intentions  he  might 
cherish  in  their  behalf.  In  this  mode  of  conduct  they 
were  confirmed,  hy  a  recollection  of  the  sacredness  at- 
tached by  the  religion  of  their  conductor  to  the  oath  so 
solemnly  pledged  on  the  symbol  of  the  cross,  and  by  a 
conviction  of  the  danger  of  observation  to  which  they 
stood  exposed,  if,  as  thny  had  apprehended,  it  was  ac- 
tually a  human  footstep  they  had  heard  in  the  orchard. 
This  last  recollection  suggested  a  remark. 

14* 


'.,'..■  A' ; 


.  1/  . 


^  I'.;'-  >l 


;*  f  ■ 


■K . 


1       1,    I 

oj.-  :*   Li 

it       \  ' 
*>    , '     '"I 

.'■'Hi'  ?.  .••>     -f 

■■  ■  '.*'V  -T 

;  K.^"  ■ 

V  I.'  ' 


162 


WACOUSTA. 


1^ 


'        ■    .     -  'M  -1  ■  .  'I  ■■' .  If 

"■'::';.H-:i-'T;,3  ■- 


*:      ...,, 


III'' hi'-  '" '^n  ,  »^*-vfe 


■f"     ■ 

j.       ',: 

;•! 

.  '   '  ' 

!'•  "''.■■ 

1),   ■■:   i'; 

'  -A     ,             i. 

'      ''■'■■' 
1 ' 

,■  V 
1  •> 

;4v,. ,     , jar 
^•%~;'.i  I.-.* flip 


■  ft 


«      f;:L:;T, 

.    *■<    '-J ! fell 


'i  I ': 


i-!Liji«i;:.4-^ 


"  We  heard  a  strange  sound  within  the  orchard,  while 
waiting  here  for  your  return,"  said  the  taller  officer ; "  it 
was  like  the  footstep  of  a  man  treading  cautiously  over 
rotten  leaves  and  branches.  How  do  you  account  for  it .'" 

"  Oh,  it  was  my  pigs,"  replied  the  Canadian,  without 
manifesting  the  slightest  uneasiness  at  the  information. 
"  They  run  about  in  de  orchard  for  de  apples  what  blows 
down  wid  de  wind." 

"  It  could  not  be  a  pig  we  heard,"  pursued  his  ques. 
tioner ;  "  but  another  thing,  Francois,  before  we  consent 
to  enter  the  hut, — how  will  you  account  to  your  daugh. 
ter  for  our  presence  ?  and  what  suspicion  may  she  not 
form  at  seeing  two  armed  strangers  in  company  with  you 
at  this  unseasonable  hour  ?" 

"  I  have  tell  her,"  replied  the  Canadian,  "  dat  I  have 
bring  two  friends,  who  go  wid  me  in  de  canoe  to  shoot 
de  ducks  for  two  tree  days.  You  know,  sir,  I  go  always 
in  de  fall  to  kill  de  ducks  wid  my  friends,  and  she  will 
not  tuik  it  strange." 

"  You  have  managed  well,  my  brave  fellow  ;  and  now 
we  follow  you  in  confidence.  But  in  the  name  of  Heaven, 
use  all  possible  despatch,  and  if  money  will  lend  a  spur 
to  your  actions,  you  shall  have  plenty  of  it  wlien  our  en- 
terprise lias  been  accomplished." 

Our  adventurers  followed  their  conductor  in  the  track 
by  which  he  had  so  recently  rejoined  them.  As  they 
turned  the  corner  of  the  hut,  the  younger,  who  broiijEfhl 
up  the  rear,  fancied  he  again  heard  a  sound  in  llic  direc- 
tion of  the  orchard,  resembling  that  of  one  lightly  leap- 
ing to  the  ground.  A  gust  of  wind,  however,  j)assiMi: 
rapidly  at  the  moment  through  the  dense  foliage,  led  liim 
to  believe  it  might  have  been  produced  by  the  sullen  liill 
of  one  Qf  the  heavy  fruita  it  hud  detached  in  its  course. 


WACOUSTA. 


163 


Unwil'J"?  to  excite  new  and  unnecessary  suspicion  in 
his  t.>ir<}.anion,  he  confined  the  circumstance  to  his  own 
breast,  and  followed  into  the  hut. 

After  ascending  a  flight  of  about  a  dozen  rude  steps, 
tlicy  found  themselves  in  a  small  room,  furnished  with 
no  other  ceiling  than  the  sloping  roof  itself,  and  lighted 
by  an  unwieldy  iron  lamp,  placed  on  a  heavy  oak  table, 
near  the  only  window  with  which  the  apartment  was 
provided.  This  latter  had  suffered  much  from  the  influ- 
ence of  time  and  tempest;  and  owing  to  the  difficulty  of 
procuring  glass  in  so  remote  a  region,  had  been  patched 
with  slips  of  paper  in  various  parts.  The  two  corner  and 
lower  panes  of  the  bottom  sash  were  out  altogether,  and 
pine  shingles,  such  as  are  used  even  at  the  present  day 
for  covering  the  roofs  of  dwelling  houses,  had  been  fitted 
into  the  squares,  excluding  air  and  light  at  the  same  time. 
The  centre  pane  of  this  tier  was,  however,  clear  and  free 
from  flaw  of  every  description.  Opposite  to  the  window 
blazed  a  cheerful  wood  fire,  recently  suppUed  with  fuel; 
and  at  one  of  the  inner  corners  of  the  room  was  placed 
a  low  uncurtained  bed,  that  exiiibited  marks  of  having 
been  lain  in  since  it  was  last  made.  On  a  chair  at  its 
side  were  heaped  a  few  dark-looking  garments,  the  pre- 
cise nature  of  which  were  not  di^t  "'guishable  at  a  cur- 
sory and  distant  glance. 

Sucii  were  the  more  remarkable  features  of  the  apart- 
ment into  which  our  adventurers  were  now  ushered. 
Both  looked  cautiously  around  on  entering,  as  if  expect- 
ing to  find  it  tenanted  by  spirits  as  daring  as  their  own ; 
but,  witli  tlie  exception  of  the  daughter  of  their  conduc- 
tor, whose  moist  black  eyes  expressed,  a.  ,^Kch  by  tears 
as  by  smiles,  the  joy  she  felt  at  this  unexpected  return  of 
lier  parent,  no  living  object  met  their  enquiring  glance. 


ill 


'.I'i 


v:.-'  ■:>\k^  ■';'■' 


■>•.     ■< 


'     ■  ''1  .    .* 


"I 


'if 


'   -ft'  ■   ■<*.'' 


■ '  r 


'ir^>".-'4 


■1  1^ 


'         ..'    '■'*-.■;  r'"*'  • 


Ri^  •^' 


m, 


{•;:??t?i!^:' '■!'■'  ••    '1  ■■■: 

■  S         '.i  ■'■Hi       "  ■'li  **,  'I*  .; 


S:P"  ■!f,:%'  '• 


«.?^' 


Bi-  ^'l  <i;  '    !■!■'  ■  :•   J-     i' 


r;  ■  >' 


■  )s  .(if?  'I  ■ 


^af.  iHi 


f :  .:i'f 


164 


WACOUSTA. 


The  Canadian  placed  a  couple  of  rush-bottomed  chairs 
near  the  fire,  invited  his  companions  to  seat  themselves 
until  he  had  completed  his  preparation  for  departure,  and 
then,  desiring  Babctte  to  hasten  supper  for  the  youn? 
hunters,  quitted  the  room  and  descended  the  stairs. 


WACOUSTA. 


165 


CHAPTER  XII. 


The  position  of  the  young  men  was  one  of  embarrass- 
ment ;  for  while  the  daughter,  who  was  busied  in  execut- 
ing tlic  command  of  her  father,  remained  in  the  room, 
it  was  impossible  they  could  converse  together  without 
betraying  the  secret  of  their  country,  and,  as  a  result  of 
this,  the  falsehood  of  the  character  under  which  they  ap- 
peared. Long  residence  in  the  country  had,  it  is  true, 
rendered  the  patois  of  that  class  of  people  whom 
they  personated  familiar  to  one,  but  the  other  spoke  only 
the  pure  and  native  language  of  which  it  was  a  corrup- 
tion. It  might  have  occurred  to  them  at  a  cooler  moment, 
and  under  less  critical  circumstances,  that,  even  if  their 
disguise  had  been  penetrated,  it  was  unlikely  a  female, 
manifesting  so  much  lively  affection  for  her  parent,  would 
have  done  aught  to  injure  those  with  whom  he  had  evi- 
dently connected  himself.  But  the  importance  attached 
to  their  entire  security  from  danger  left  them  but  little 
room  for  reflections  of  a  calming  character,  while  a  doubt 
of  that  security  remained. 

One  singularity  struck  them  both.  They  had  expected 
the  young  woman,  urged  by  a  natural  curiosity,  would 
have  commenced  a  conversation,  even  if  they  did  not ; 
and  he  wlio  spoke  the  patois  was  prepared  to  sustain  it  as 
well  as  his  anxious  and  overcharged  spirit  would  enable 
liim ;  and  as  he  was  aware  the  morning  had  furnished 


1- 


•^     J%<   •  if.  ,' 


;v^.K; 


'  t ' 


B 


'■•?,■■• ,'' '  1  lit  I.  ■■ ''' ''i  i 


.riM'iiif;! 


I,    ,  ■■    I*'  .■■■■(  J  li  .  ,     "  ■   "  ■.. 

^ii;  ::'i,.;i',  :i'i.i,-  M:.;>^.    , 


■I  ;■. 


■I  ' 


»">!'; 


,1  'm  ;     .^ 


Villi:' 


'  ''■■  i  '  i  -'14 


im 


I'l;  I'   , J.I     ~ '  jli 


'Krtii 


11    i. ;. ■*■**'    '' 


166 


WACOUSTA. 


sufficient  incident  of  fearful  interest,  he  had  naturally 
looked  for  a  verbal  re-enactment  of  the  harrowing  and 
dreadful  scene.  To  their  surprise,  however,  they  both 
remarked  that,  far  from  evincing  a  desire  to  enter  into 
conversation,  the  young  woman  scarcely  ever  looked  at 
them,  but  lingered  constantly  near  the  table,  and  facing 
the  window.  Still,  to  avoid  an  appearance  of  singularity 
on  their  own  parts,  as  far  as  possible,  the  elder  of  the  offi. 
cers  motioned  to  his  companion,  who,  following  his  ex. 
ample,  took  a  small  pipe  and  some  tobacco  from  a  com- 
partment in  his  shot  pouch,  and  commenced  puffing  the 
wreathing  smoke  from  his  lips, — an  occupation,  more 
than  any  other,  seeming  to  justify  their  silence. 

The  elder  officer  sat  with  his  back  to  the  window,  and 
immediately  in  front  of  the  fire ;  his  companion,  at  a 
corner  of  the  rude  hearth,  and  in  such  a  manner  that, 
without  turning  his  head,  he  could  command  fevery  part 
of  the  room  at  a  glance.  In  the  corner  facing  him  stood 
the  bed  already  described.  A  faint  ray  of  fire-light  fell 
on  some  minute  object  glittering  in  the  chair,  the  con- 
tents of  which  were  heaped  up  in  disorder.  Urged  by 
that  wayward  curiosity,  which  is  sometimes  excited,  even 
under  circumstances  of  the  greatest  danger  and  other- 
wise absorbing  interest,  the  young  man  kicked  the  hick- 
ory log  that  lay  nearest  to  it  with  his  mocassined  foot, 
and  produced  a  bright  crackling  flame,  the  reflection  of 
which  was  thrown  entirely  upon  the  object  of  his  gaze; 
it  was  a  large  metal  button,  on  which  the  number  of  his 
regiment  was  distinctly  visible.  Unable  to  cheek  his  de- 
sire to  know  further,  he  left  his  seat,  to  examine  the  con- 
tents of  the  chair.  As  he  moved  across  the  room,  he 
fancied  he  heard  a  light  sound  from  without;  his  com- 
p  anion,  also,  seemed  to  manifest  a  similar  impression  by 


WACOUSTA. 


167 


**. 


an  almost  imperceptible  start ;  but  the  noise  was  so  rao- 
nientary,  and  so  fanciful,  neither  felt  it  worth  his  while 
to  pause  upon  the  circumstance.  The  young  officer  now 
raised  the  garments  from  the  chair  :  they  consisted  of  a 
small  grey  great-coat,  and  trowsers,  a  waistcoat  of  coarse 
white  cloth,  a  pair  of  worsted  stockings,  and  the  half- 
boots  of  a  boy ;  the  whole  forming  the  drum-boy's  equip- 
ment worn  by  the  wretched  wife  of  Halloway  when 
borne  senseless  into  the  hut  on  that  fatal  morning.  Hasti- 
'  ly  quitting  a  dress  that  called  up  so  many  dreadful  recol- 
lections, and  turning  to  his  companion  with  a  look  that 
denoted  apprehension,  lest  he  too  should  have  beheld 
these  melancholy  remembrances  of  the  harrowing  scene, 
the  young  officer  hastened  to  resume  his  seat.  In  the 
^  act  of  so  doing,  his  eye  fell  upon  the  window,  at  which 
the  female  still  lingered.  Had  a  blast  from  heaven  struck 
his  sight,  the  terror  of  his  soul  could  not  have  been  greater. 
He  felt  his  cheek  to  pale,  and  his  hair  to  bristle  beneath 
his  cap,  while  the  checked  blood  crept  slowly  and  coldly, 
as  if  its  very  function  had  been  paralysed ;  still  he  had 
presence  of  mind  sufficient  not  to  falter  in  his  step,  or  to 
betray,  by  any  extraordinary  movement,  that  his  eye  had 
rested  on  any  thing  hateful  to  behold. 

His  companion  had  emptied  his  first  pipe,  and  was  in 
the  act  of  refilling  it,  when  he  resumed  his  seat.  He  was 
evidently  impatient  at  the  delay  of  the  Canadian,  and 
already  were  his  lips  ready  to  give  utterance  to  his  dis- 
appointment, when  he  felt  his  foot  significantly  pressed 
by  that  of  his  friend.  An  instinctive  sense  of  something 
I  fearful  that  was  to  ensue,  but  still  demanding  caution  on 
his  part,  prevented  him  from  turning  hastily  round  to 
know  the  cause.  Satisfied,  however,  there  was  danger, 
though  not  of  an  instantaneous  character,  he  put  his 


■  r..   .'.»    •  -r.  r'  jC  *      ■;  ■      ^  *  ','.■•■  ■■  tt  T» 


■.Av 


!•■■''  ■         ■■''.. 

I.','    ' 
I'. 


, '\' 


•  ..k: 


'\     :i 


%>:'M 


..  ■  ,:  ^  -'Mm, 


.,if:  ■ 


■  IP;  TO ''n  "■'■■'  ■■  ■  '- 


■  ■  ■  t'j  ■ 


.i      .  .  .1      '  1      w   ■■■'.1  ■  .    ■ . 


f' 


'  *  I  III 


'I     i,         i::    t     I'" 


;  '■  ■'  I J  ■  Hit  '  -t' 


;';;'i^ 


'!.  ii: 


r- 


■    '< '  Lf '  It  'ill  ;■  ■  • 


■*!  .       *!  Ill  ,  r     I  ,'■    '    'T     'I'l  \  :    I     f 


.t'.^^ 


Mr  'i  I 


j3.      V "  " 


'HI 


'f'^ 


l: 


*  -'^rtj 


:1     1  I.  '   :  .1! 


■m; 


^•Mi.^ 


■  t\f-'xn"i 


168 


WACOUSTA. 


pipe  gently  by,  and  stealing  his  hand  under  his  coat 
again  grasped  the  hilt  of  his  dagger.  At  length  he 
slowly  and  partially  turned  his  head,  while  his  eyes  en. 
quiringly  demanded  of  his  friend  the  cause  of  this  alarni, 
Partly  to  aid  in  concealing  his  increasing  paleness,  and 
partly  with  a  view  to  render  it  a  medium  for  the  convej. 
ance  of  subdued  sound,  the  hand  of  the  latter  was  raised 
to  his  face  in  such  a  manner  that  the  motion  of  his  lips 
could  not  be  distinguished  from  behind. 

"We  are  betrayed,"  he  scarcely  breathed.  "If you 
can  command  yourself,  turn  and  look  at  the  window! 
but  for  God's  sake  arm  yourself  with  resolution,  or  look 
not  at  all :  first  draw  the  hood  over  your  head,  and  witiiout 
any  appearance  of  design.  Our  only  chance  of  safety 
lies  in  this, — tliat  the  Canadian  may  still  be  true,  and 
that  our  disguise  may  not  be  penetrated." 

In  despite  of  his  native  courage, — and  this  had  ofteD 
been  put  to  honourable  proof, — he,  thus  mysteriously  ad- 
dressed, felt  his  heart  to  throb  violently.  There  was 
something  so  appalled  in  the  countenance  of  his  friend- 
something  so  alarming  in  the  very  caution  he  had  re- 
commended— that  a  vague  dread  of  the  horrible  reality 
rushed  at  once  to  his  mind,  and  for  a  moment  his  own 
cheek  became  ashy  pale,  and  his  breathing  painfiilly 
oppressed.  It  was  the  natural  weakness  of  the  physical 
man,  over  which  the  moral  faculties,  had,  for  an  instant,lost 
their  directing  power.  Speedily  recovering  himself,  tlie 
young  man  prepared  to  encounter  the  alarming  object 
which  had  already  so  greatly  intimidated  his  friend. 
Carefully  drawing  the  blanket  hood  over  his  head,  lie 
rose  from  his  seat,  and,  with  the  energetic  movement  ol 
one  who  has  formed  some  desperate  determination, 
turned  liis  back  to  the  fire-place,  and  threw  his  eyes 


WACOUSTA. 


169 


rapidly  and  eagerly  upon  the  window.  They  fell  only 
on  the  rude  patchwork  of  which  it  was  principally  com- 
posed.   The  female  had  quitted  the  room. 

»  You  must  have  been  deceived,"  he  whispered,  keep- 
ing his  eye  still  bent  upon  the  window,  and  with  so  im- 
perceptible a  movement  of  the  lips  that  sound  aione 
could  have  betrayed  he  was  speaking, — "  I  see  nothing 
to  justify  your  alarm.    Look  again." 

The  younger  officer  once  more  directed  his  glance  to- 
wards the  window,  and  with  a  shuddering  of  the  whole 
person,  as  he  recollected  what  had  met  his  eye  when  he 
last  looked  upon  it.  "  It  is  no  longer  there,  indeed,"  he 
returned  in  the  same  scarcely  audible  tone.  "  Yet  I 
could  not  be  mistaken ;  it  was  between  those  two  corner 
squares  of  wood  in  the  lower  sash." 

"Perhaps  it  was  merely  a  reflection  produced  by  the 
lamp  on  the  centre  pane,"  rejoined  his  friend,  still  keep- 
ing his  eye  riveted  on  the  suspicious  point.  "  Impossi- 
ble !  but  I  will  examine  the  window  from  the  spot  on 
which  I  stood  when  I  first  beheld  it." 

Again  he  quitted  his  seat,  and  carelessly  crossed  the 
room.  As  he  returned  he  threw  his  glance  upon  the 
pane,  when,  to  his  infinite  horror  and  surprise,  the  same 
frightful  vision  presented  itself. 

"  God  of  heaven !"  he  exclaimed  aloud,  and  unable 
longer  to  check  the  ebullition  of  his  feelings, — **■  what 
means  this  ? — Is  my  brain  turned  ?  and  am  I  the  sport 
of  my  own  delusive  fancy — Do  you  not  see  it  now  ?" 

No  answer  was  returned.  His  friend  stood  mute  and 
motionless,  with  his  left  hand  grasping  his  gun,  and  his 
right  thrust  into  the  waist  of  his  coat.  His  eye  grew 
upon  the  window,  and  his  chest  heaved,  and  his  cheek 
paled  and  flushed  alternately  with  the  subdued  emotion 

VOL.  i.~15 


..•.■'r,v,  ;'■.•■;  ^.j-^r. 

'  ■      X ,  •         k'    ,"■.•'■■ 

"  ■        —,■[■•'"«■■•  ij  . 

.-■^■■.  •,'•■!.,•   *>».  '  , 

■  ■  -:  ix''-    'i. 

■  '  «^  ^'■' 


■■■■■  >.   '■     ■'.  >  •  •   ■'.  mm'^A': 


■  ..if-  - ,'. , 


f  1,'    '*  ?:'.A  '•% 


il;  1,5,1,1.      .<■''*?' 


,■;,)  *, . !  1'    ''  '••'■•■.■V  'i ' 


■'"■'11 


,-''•  <. ., 


•('Fitful 


170 


WACOUSTA. 


of  his  heart.  A  human  face  was  placed  close  to  the  un- 
blemished glass,  and  every  feature  was  distinctly  revealed 
by  the  lamp  that  still  lay  upon  the  table.  The  glaring 
eye  was  fixed  on  the  taller  of  the  officers ;  but  though  the 
expression  was  unfathomably  guileful,  there  was  notliing 
that  denoted  any  thing  like  a  recognition  of  the  party. 
The  brightness  of  the  wood  fire  had  so  far  subsided  as  to 
throw  the  interior  of  the  room  into  partial  obscurity,  and 
under  the  disguise  of  his  hood  it  was  impossible  for  one 
without  to  distinguish  the  features  of  the  taller  officer. 
The  younger,  who  was  scarcely  an  object  of  attention, 
passed  comparatively  unnoticed. 

Fatigued  and  dimmed  with  the  long  and  eager  tension 
of  its  nerves,  the  eye  of  the  latter  now  began  to  fail  liira. 
For  a  moment  he  closed  it ;  and  when  again  it  fell  upon 
the  window ;  it  encountered  nothing  but  the  clear  and 
glittering  pane.  For  upwards  of  a  minute  he  and  his 
friend  still  continued  to  rivet  their  gaze,  but  the  face  was 
no  .longer  visible. 

Why  is  it  that  what  is  called  the  "  human  face  divine," 
is  sometimes  gifted  with  a  power  to  paralyse,  that  tlic 
most  loathsome  reptile  in  the  creation  cannot  attain? 
Had  a  cougar  of  the  American  forest,  roaring  for  prey, 
appeared  at  that  window,  ready  to  burst  the  fragile  bar- 
rier, and  fasten  its  talons  in  their  hearts,  its  presence 
would  not  have  struck  such  sickness  to  the  soul  of  our 
adventurers  as  did  that  human  face.  It  is,  that  man, 
naturally  fierce  and  inexorable,  is  alone  the  enemy  of  his 
own  species.  The  solution  of  this  problem — this  glorious 
paradox  in  nature,  we  leave  to  profounder  philosophers 
to  resolve.  Sufficient  for  us  be  it  to  know,  and  to  de- 
plore that  it  is  so. 

Footsteps  were  now  heard  upon  the  stairs ;  aiid  the 


WACOUSTA. 


171 


officers,  aroused  to  a  full  sense  of  their  danger,  hastily 
and  silently  prepared  themselves  for  the  encounter. 
"Drop  a  bullet  into  your  gun,"  whispered  the  elder, 
setting  the  example  himself.  "  We  may  be  obliged  to 
have  recourse  to  it  at  last.  Yet  make  no  show  of  hos- 
tility unless  circumstances  satisfy  us  we  are  betrayed; 
then,  indeed,  all  that  remains  for  us  will  be  to  sell  our 
Hves  as  dearly  as  we  can.    Hist !  he  is  here." 

The  door  opened!  and  at  the  entrance,  which  was 
already  filled  up  in  the  imaginations  of  the  young  men 
with  a  terrible  and  alarming  figure,  appeared  one  whose 
rrturn  had  been  anxiously  and  long  desired.  It  was  a 
relief,  indeed,  to  their  gallant  but  excited  hearts  to  behold 
another  than  the  form  they  had  expected ;  and  although, 
for  the  moment,  they  knew  not  whether  the  Canadian 
came  in  hostiUty  or  in  friendship,  each  quitted  the  atti- 
tude  of  caution  into  which  he  had  thrown  himself,  and 
met  him  midway  in  his  passage  through  the  room. 
There  was  nothing  in  the  expression  of  his  naturally 
open  and  good-humoured  countenance  to  denote  he  was 
at  all  aware  of  the  causes  for  alarm  that  had  operated 
so  powerfiilly  on  themselves.  He  announced  with  a 
frank  look  and  unfaltering  voice  every  thing  was  in 
readiness  for  their  departure. 

The  officers  hesitated ;  and  the  taller  fixed  his  eyes 
upon  those  of  mine  host,  as  if  his  gaze  would  have  pene- 
trated to  the  innermost  recesses  of  his  heart.  Could  this 
be  a  refinement  of  his  treachery  ?  and  was  he  really  ig- 
norant of  the  existence  of  the  danger  which  threatened 
them?  Was  it  not  more  probable  his  object  was  to  disarm 
their  fears,  that  they  might  be  given  unprepared  and, 
therefore,  unresisting .  victims  to  the  ferocity  of  their 
enemies?   Aware  as  he  was,  that  they  were  both  well 


'.'     r    ■■  .kii\' ».. '■:-  r' 


t.     ■■;■ 


%  ■••.'  . ,  .V'  fi  r  ■...  . f.^j'^v,  £#..    f  - 


■fm 


♦  / 


■y  *  .: 


; .  ■ ,  _. . 

'■ 

,    ■     ■    .. '  '>'•'■':  •  ■'^r 

1  ■  ■ 

-'..■.-■r'|.; 

*       , 

\     '■■■y.M.   • 

,:-^-'^-  ■ 

.   ,                           .   ;• .  ft"   '.f 

/  '   %«\'?;    ' 

■   '■'    '    'r   ''  '  ' 

'; ;  ■     , 

•           '  -■  i:  ■.■■►/■  . 

^:i-:M 


A....  'Ill  ^ 

■■■■■■.,   ^--^rA'm 

,    :     k-   1.;,  irf.^« 


M-  !l 


't;: 


'ni'i-.i       .  '-''■'  i'  Vj  j  %    ■  I  ill   'ill''  ft'fi 

'■^  ■  :'V.r1    ■  .;:■■'■■."■ 


'!'• 


■■,  »■■  ,f  i"  ,  ;  u 


172 


WA-COmTA . 


provided  with  arms,  and  /ully  determined  to  use  them 
with  effect,  might  not  his  aim  be  to  decoy  them  to  de. 
struction  without,  lest  the  blood  £pilt  under  his  roof,  in 
the  desperation  of  their  defence,  should  hereafter  attest 
against  him,  and  expoFO  him  to  the  punishment  he 
would  so  richly  merit  ?  Distracted  by  these  doubts,  the 
young  men  scarcely  knew  what  to  think  or  how  to  act ; 
and  anxious  as  they  had  previously  been  to  quit  the  hut, 
they  now  considered  the  moment  of  their  doing  so  would 
be  that  of  their  destruction.  The  importance  of  the 
enterprise  on  which  they  were  embarked  was  such  as  to 
sink  all  personal  considerations.  If  they  had  felt  the 
influence  of  intimidation  on  their  spirits,  it  arose  less 
&om  any  apprehension  of  consequences  to  themselves, 
than  from  the  recollection  of  the  dearer  interests  involved 
in  their  perfect  security  from  Jiscovery. 

"Fran9ois,"  feelingly  urged  the  taller  officer,  again 
adverting  to  his  vow,  "you  recollect  the  oath  you  solemnly 
pledged  upon  the  cross  of  your  Saviour.  Tell  me,  then, 
as  you  hope  for  mercy,  have  you  taken  that  oath  only 
that  you  might  the  more  securely  betray  us  to  our  ene- 
mies ?  What  connection  have  you  with  them  at  this  mo- 
ment ?  and  who  is  he  who  stood  looking  through  that 
window  not  ten  minutes  since  ?" 

"  As  I  shall  hope  for  mercy  in  my  God,"  exclaimed 
the  Canadian  with  unfeigned  astonishment,  "  I  have  not 
see  nobody.  But  what  for  do  you  tink  so  ?  It  is  not 
just.  I  have  given  my  oat  to  serve  you,  and  I  shall 
do  it." 

There  was  candour  both  in  the  tone  and  countenance 
of  the  man  as  he  uttered  these  words,  half  in  reproacli, 
half  in  justification  ;  and  the  officers  no  longer  doubted. 

"  You  must  forgive  our  suspicions  at  a  moment  like 


WACOUSTA. 


173 


the  present,"  soothingly  observed  the  younger;  ^^yety 
Francois,  your  daughter  saw  and  exchanged  signals 
with  tJic  person  we  mean.  She  left  the  room  soon  after 
he  made  his  appearance.     What  has  become  of  her  ?" 

The  Canadian  gave  a  sudden  start,  looked  hastily  round, 
and  seemed  to  perceive  for  the  first  time  the  girl  was 
absent.    He  then  put  a  finger  to  his  lip  to  enjoin  silence, 
advanced  to  the  table,  and  extinguished  the  light.     De- 
siring his  companions,  in  a  low  whisper,  to  tread  cau- 
tiously and  follow,   he  now  led  the  way  with   almost 
noiseless  step  to  the  entrance  of  the  hut.    At  the  thresh- 
old of  the  door  were  placed  a  large  well-filled  sack,  a 
liglit  mast  and  sail,  and  half  a  dozen  paddles.    The  latter 
burden  he  divided  between  the  officers,  on  whose  shoulders 
he  carefully  balanced  them.    The  sack  he  threw  across 
liisown;  and,  without  expressing  even  a  regret  that  an 
opportunity  of  bidding  adieu  to  his  child  was  denied  him, 
hastily  skirted  the  paling  of  the  orchard  until,  at  the 
further  extremity,  he  had  gained  the  high  road.    The 
heavens  were  obscured  by  passing  clouds  driven  rapidly 
by  the  wind,  during  the  short  pauses  of  which  our  ad- 
venturers  anxiously  and  frequently  turned  to  listen  if 
they  were  pursued.    Save  the  rustling  of  the  trees  that 
lined  the  road,  and  the  slight  dashing  of  the  waters  on 
the  beach,  however,  no  sound  was  distinguishable.    At 
length  they  gained  the  point  whence  they  were  to  start. 
It  was  the  fatal  bridge,  the  events  connected  with  which 
were  yet  so  painfully  fresh  in  their  recollection. 

"Stop  one  minutes  here,"  whispered  the  Canadian, 
throwing  his  sack  upon  the  sand  near  the  mouth  of  the 
lesser  river ;  "my  canoe  is  chain  about  twenty  yards  up 
de  bridge.  I  shall  come  to  you  directly."  Then  caution- 
'n?  the  officers  to  keep  themselves  concealed  under  the 

15* 


'  V  ' ' ;''  -t::'  ''■>:  ' 


t.i>,'- 


IV 


:-m'^ 


i  ■  ,f- 


kl#\ 


WAr* 

V    ■■■.>- 


''  ■•I-' 


i<-^4 


'L 


'*.( 


■>     *,,.;;;. -!r^. 


■dl^ 


'I'  - 


,  I'       !<•■  t''    ■         ,  ■ 

>,  ■>:?::■: !*■;  .;■:.:;;■;■■  „ 
.1:  ■■■■ -4;  i'-;  »■*;.> 


»; 


,  ,  'la         ■  1  <      *■    '' 


jf 


ji,i  ■    t;;fi>i(«J."    ;;;^ 


'■  /    m  ■   ; 


•*.■, 


174 


WACOUSTA. 


bridge,  he  moved  hastily  under  the  arch,  and  disappeared 
in  the  dark  shadow  which  it  threw  across  the  rivulet. 

The  extremities  of  the  bridge  rested  on  the  banks  of 
the  little  rwer  in  such  a  manner  as  to  leave  a  narrow 
passage  along  the  sands  immediately  under  the  declina- 
tion  of  the  arch.    In  accordance  with  thr;  caution  of  their 
conductor,  the  officers  had  placed  themselves  under  it; 
and  with  their  backs  slightly  bent  forward  to  meet  the 
curvature  of  the  bridge,  so  that  no  ray  of  light  could 
pass  between  their  bodies   and  the  fabric  itself,  now- 
awaited  the  arrival  of  the  vessel  on  which  their  only  hope 
depended.    We  shall  not  attempt  to  describe  their  hi 
ings   on  finding  themselves,  at  that  lone  hour  of  the 
night,    immediately   under   a   >^not   rendered    fearfully 
memorable  by  the  tragic  occurren^'-cs  of  the  morning. 
The  terrible  pursuit  of  the  fugitive,  the  execution  of  the 
soldier,  the  curse  and  prophecy  of  his  maniac  wife,  and, 
above  all,  the  forcible  abduction  and  threatened  espousal 
of  that  unhappy  woman  by  the  formidable  being  who 
seemed  to  have  identified  himself  with  the  evils  with  whieli 
they  stood  menaced, — all  rushed  with  rapid  tracery  on 
tlie  mind,  and  excited  the  imagination,  until  each,  filled 
vuth  a  sentiment  not  unallied  to  superstitious  awe,  feared 
to  whisper  forth  his  thoughts,  lest  in  so  doing  ho  should 
invoke  the  presence  of  those  who  had  priilcipally  figured 
in  the  harrowing  and  revolting  scene. 

"  Did  you  not  hear  a  noise  ?"  at  length  whispered  the 
elder,  as  he  leaned  himself  forward,  and  bent  his  head  to 
the  sand,  to  catch  more  distinctly  a  repetition  of  the 
sound. 

"  I  did ;  there  again  !  It  is  upon  the  bridge,  and  not 
unlike  the  step  of  one  endeavouring  to  tread  lightly.  Ii 
may  be  some  wild  beast,  however." 


WACOUSTA, 


175 


"We  must  not  be  taken  by  surprise,"  returned  his 
companion.  "  If  it  be  a  man,  the  wary  tread  indicates 
consciousness  of  our  presence.  If  an  animal,  there  can 
be  no  harm  in  setting  our  fears  at  rest."  Cautiously 
stealing  from  his  lurking-place,  the  young  officer  emerged 
into  tlie  open  sands,  and  in  a  few  measured  noiseless 
strides  gained  the  extremity  of  the  bridge.  The  dark 
shadow  of  something  upon  its  centre  caught  his  eye,  and 
a  low  sound  like  that  of  a  dog  lapping  met  his  ear.  While 
his  gaze  yet  lingered  on  the  shapeless  object,  endeavour- 
ing to  give  it  a  character,  the  clouds  which  had  so  long 
obscured  it  passed  momentarily  from  before  the  moon, 
and  disclosed  the  appalling  truth.  It  was  a  wolf-dog 
lai)ping  up  from  the  earth,  in  which  they  were  encrusted, 
the  blood  and  brains  of  the  unfortunate  Frank  Hallowav. 

Sick  and  famt  ac  the  disgusting  sight,  the  young  man 
rested  his  elbow  on  the  railing  that  passed  along  the  edge 
of  the  bridge,  and,  leaning  his  head  on  his  hand  for  a 
moment,  forgot  the  risk  of  exposure  he  incurred,  in  the 
intensencss  of  the  sorrow  that  assailed  his  soul.  His 
heart  and  imagination  were  already  far  from  the  spot  on 
which  he  stood,  when  he  felt  an  iron  hand  upon  his 
shoulder.  He  turned,  shuddering  with  an  instinctive 
knowledge  of  his  yet  unseen  visitant,  and  beheld  standing 
over  him  the  terrible  warrior  of  the  Fleur  de  lis. 

"  Ha,  ha,  ha  !"  laughed  the  savage,  in  a  low  triumphant 
tone,  "  the  place  of  our  meeting  is  well  timed,  though 
somewhat  singular,  it  must  be  confessed.  Nay,"  he 
fiercely  added,  grasping  as  in  a  vice  tlic  arm  tliat  v;as 
ahcady  lifted  to  strike  him,  "  force  me  .lot  to  annihilate 
you  on  the  spot.  Ha !  hear  you  the  cry  of  my  wolf-dog^" 
as  that  animal  now  set  up  a  low  but  fearful  howl ;  "  it 
IS  for  yoiu:  blood  ho  asks,  but  your  hour  is  not  yet  conic.'' 


,,,>,:•«'.- 


i.jrv    '  ■ 

■    -,"■  ;■       •« 

j". 

• .'  '.'.■■  y 

'!  .. 

,  •  '   '  ."'V  '■'. 

,'"                       ■  .'i 

';:;-•.*■■'.'•■'?.•' 

* 

.           '-J'     r    t 

'    ", 

^■i          ■ 

»     .    , 

y-n 


\>. 


'i^b 


•'  r  ".''  ■■-■ 


h0:\ 


1.:     :Vi:-s:f 


* 


176 


WACOUSTA. 


"  No,  by  heaven,  is  it  not !"  exclaimed  a  voice ;  a 
rapid  and  rushing  sweep  was  heard  through  the  air  for 
an  instant,  and  then  a  report  like  a  stunning  blow.  The 
warrior  released  his  grasp — plaeed  his  hand  upon  liis 
tomahawk,  but  without  strength  to  remove  it  from  his 
belt  tottered  a  pace  or  tvv^o  backwards — and  then  fell, 
uttering  a  cry  of  mingled  pain  and  disappointment,  at 
his  length  upon  the  earth.  "  Quick,  quick  to  our  cover !" 
exclaimed  the  young  officer,  as  a  loud  shout  was  now 
heard  from  the  forest  in  reply  to  the  yell  of  the  fallen 
warrior.  "  If  Francois  come  not,  we  are  lost:  tlic 
howl  of  that  wolf-dog  alone  will  betray  us,  even  if  iiis 
master  should  be  beyond  all  chance  of  recovery." 

"  Desperate  diseases  require  desperate  remedies,"  was 
the  reply ;  "  there  is  little  glory  in  destroying  a  helpless 
enemy,  but  the  necessity  is  urgent,  and  we  must  leave 
nothing  to  chance."  As  he  spoke,  he  knelt  upon  the 
huge  form  of  the  senseless  warrior,  whose  scalping  knife 
lie  drew  from  its  sheath,  and  striking  a  firm  and  steady 
blow,  quitted  not  the  weapon  until  he  felt  liis  hand  re- 
posing on  the  chest  of  his  enemy.  The  howl  of  the 
wolf-dog,  whose  eyes  glared  like  two  burning  coals 
through  the  surrounding  glooin,  was  now  exchanged  to 
a  fierce  and  snappish  bark.  He  made  a  leap  at  the 
officer  while  in  the  act  of  rising  from  the  body  ;  but  his 
fangs  fastened  only  in  the  chest  of  the  shaggy  coal, 
which  he  wrung  witii  the  strength  and  fury  charactcris. 
tic  of  his  peculiar  species.  This  new  and  f(  rocious 
attack  was  fraught  with  danger  little  inferior  to  that 
wh'ch  they  hail  just  escaped,  and  required  the  utino^l 
f»roniptitude  of  action.  Tlie  young  man  seized  tlu;  brute 
behind  the  neck  in  a  firm  and  vigorous  grasp,  while  lie 
stooped  upon  the  motionless  foim  over  which  this  novd 


WACOUSTA. 


177 


struffffle  was  maintained,  and  succeeded  in  making 
himself  once  more  master  of  the  scalping  knife.  Half 
choked  by  the  hand  that  unflinchingly  grappled  with  him, 
the  savage  animal  quitted  his  hold  and  struggled  violently 
to  free  himself.  This  was  the  critical  moment.  The 
officer  drew  the  heavy  sharp  blade,  from  the  handle  to 
the  point,  across  the  throat  of  the  infuriated  beast,  with 
a  force  that  divided  the  principal  artery.  He  made  a 
desperate  leap  upwards,  spouting  his  blood  over  his  de- 
stroyer, and  then  fell  gasping  across  the  body  of  his 
master.  A  low  growl,  intermingled  with  faint  attempts 
to  bark,  which  the  rapidly  oozing  life  rendered  more  and 
more  indistinct,  succeeded;  and  at  length  nothing  but  a 
gurgling  sound  was  distinguishable. 

Meanwhile  the  anxious  and  harassed  officers  had  re- 
gained their  place  of  concealment  under  the  bridge, 
where  they  listened  with  suppressed  breathing  for  the 
slightest  sound  to  indicate  the  approach  of  the  canoe.  At 
intervals  they  fancied  they  could  hear  a  noise  resembling 
the  rippling  of  water  against  the  prow  of  a  light  vessel, 
but  the  swelling  cries  of  a  band  of  Indians,  becoming  at 
every  instant  more  distinct,  were  too  unceasingly  kept 
up  to  admit  of  their  judging  with  accuracy. 

They  now  began  to  give  iheiusclvcs  up  for  lost,  and 
mapy  and  bitter  wc^  e  the  curses  they  inv/ardly  bestowed 
on  the  Canadian,  when  the  outline  of  a  human  form  was 
rccn  advancing  along  the  sands,  and  a  dark  object  U{)on 
the  water.  It  was  their  conductor,  dragging  the  canoe 
along,  with  all  the  strength  and  activity  of  which  ho 
was  capable. 

What  the  devil  have  you  brer  about  all  this  time, 
Francois  ?"  exclaimed  the  taller  officer,  as  he  bounded  to 
meet  him.    "Quick,  quick,  or  wo   shall  bo  too  late. 


'M.J      <■  •         ' ''         ■  ''r    ' '    ,      -^  ■   i"'  ' 


1 


I        .    <■  .  1,':;!  :!i         7i   ' '.: 
.        ■•■:■..,■'''       .  '  ■  u       I. 


I  ■  1        ,'* 


178 


WACOUSTA. 


Hear  you  not  the  blood-hounds  on  their  scent  ?"  Then 
seizing  the  chain  in  his  hand,  with  a  powerful  effort  he 
sent  the  canoe  flying  through  the  arch  to  the  very  en- 
trance  of  the  river.  The  burdens  that  had  been  de. 
posited  on  the  sands  were  hastily  flung  in,  the  officers 
stepping  lightly  afl;er.  The  Canadian  took  the  helm 
directing  the  frail  vessel  almost  noiselessly  through  the 
water,  and  with  such  velocity,  that  when  the  cry  of  the 
disappointed  savages  was  heard  resounding  Irom  tlie 
bridge,  it  had  already  gained  the  centre  of  the  Detroit. 


IpT   ,    I-  ':"'■■.■  t. 

K 

1                  ,   ■ 

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If 


4 


WACOUSTA. 


179 


CHAPTER  XIII. 


1      '       .      '        ,.■  I      ,,..•■      >   i       !■•  'il,     ,  J 


:%:!^ 


^l^ 


Two  days  had  succeeded  the  departure  of  the  officers 
from  tlic  fort,  but  unproductive  of  any  event  of  import- 
ance. About  daybreak,  however,  on  the  morning  of  the 
third,  the  liarasscd  g-arison  were  once  more  summoned 
to  arms,  by  an  alarm  from  the  sentinels  planted  in  rear 
oftlie  works  ;  a  body  of  Indians  they  had  traced  and  lost 
at  intervals,  as  they  wound  along-  the  skirt  of  the  forest, 
in  their  progress  from  their  encampment,  were  at  length 
developing  themselves  in  force  near  the  bomb-proof. 
With  a  readiness  which  long  experience  and  watchful- 
ncss  had  rendered  in  some  dr<rree  habitual  to  them,  the 
troops  flew  to  their  respective  posts  ;  while  a  few  of  the 
senior  officer?^  among  whom  was  the  governor,  hastened 
to  the  rnmparts  to  reconnoitre  the  strength  and  purpose 
of  their  enemies.  It  was  evident  the  views  of  these  lat- 
er were  not  immediately  lioslilc  ;  for  neither  were  they 
ill  their  war  paint,  nor  were  their  arms  of  a  description 
to  carry  intimiaation  to  a  disciplined  and  fortified 
soldiery.  Bows,  arrows,  tomahawks,  war  clubs,  spears, 
and  scalping  knives,  constituted  their  warlike  equipments, 
but  neither  rifle  nor  fire-arms  of  any  kind  were  discerni- 
Wc.  Several  of  their  leaders,  distinguishable  by  a  cer- 
tain  liaughty  carriage  and  commanding  gesticulation, 
•ere  collected  within  the  elevated  bomb-proof,  apparently 
I'olding  a  short  but  important  conference  apart  from 


ij^l^i  If  i; '^ 


,'i  »;■'';';> 


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1 
1 

i;. 

it'. 

180 


WACOUSTA, 


their  people,  most  of  whom  stood  or  lay  in  picturesque 
attitudes  around  the  ruin.  These  also  had  a  directing 
spirit.  A  tall  and  noble  looking  warrior,  wearing  a  deer 
skin  hunting  frock  closely  girded  around  his  loins,  ap. 
peared  to  command  the  deference  of  his  colleagues, 
claiming  profound  attention  when  he  spoke  himself,  and 
manifesting  his  assent  or  dissent  to  the  apparently  ex- 
pressed opinions  of  the  lesser  chiefs  merely  by  a  slight 
movement  of  the  head. 

"There  he  is  indeed!"  exclaimed  Captaui  Erskine, 
speaking  as  one  who  communes  with  his  own  thoughts, 
while  he  kept  his  telescope  levelled  on  the  form  of  the 
last  warrior  :  "  looking  just  as  noble  as  when,  throe  years 
ago,  lie  opposed  himself  to  the  progress  of  the  first 
English  detaclrnient  that  had  ever  penetrated  to  th:.^  nart 
of  tho  world.  What  a  pity  such  a  fine  fellow  shoulJ  k 
BO  d  jsperate  and  determined  an  enemy  !" 

"  True :  ^ou  were  with  Major  Rogers  on  that  expedi- 
tion,"  observed  the  governor,  "  I  have  often  heard  him 
speak  of  it.  You  had  many  difficulties  to  contend 
against,  if  I  recollect."  "  We  had  indeed,  sir,"  returned 
the  frank-hearted  Erskine,  dropping  the  glass  from  his 
eye.  "  So  many,  in  fact,  that  more  than  once,  in  the 
course  of  our  progress  through  the  wilderness,  did  I  wish 
myself  at  hcau-quartcrs  with  my  company.  Never  shall 
i  forget  the  proud  and  determined  expression  of  Ponteac's 
coimtcnance,  when  he  told  Rogers,  in  his  figurative  Ian- 
gaagc, '  he  stood  in  the  path  in  which  he  travelled.' " 

"Thank  heaven,  he  at  least  stands  not  in  the  path  m 
which  others  travel,"  musingly  .'cjoined  the  governor. 
"  But  what  sudden  movement  is  that  within  the  ruin  '" 

"  Tne  Indians  are  preparing  to  sliow  a  wliite  flag," 


tr 


WACOUSTA. 


181 


shouted  an  artillery  man  from  his  station  in  one  of  the 
embrasures  below. 

The  governor  and  his  officers  received  this  intelligence 
without  surprise  :  the  former  took  the  glass  from  Captain 
Erskine,  and  coolly  raised  it  to  his  eye.    The  consulta- 
tion had  ceased ;  and  the  several  chiefs,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  their  leader  and  two  others,  were  now  seen  quitting 
the  bomb-proof  to  join  their  respective  tribes.    One  of 
tliose  who  remained,  sprang  upon  an  elevated  fragment 
of  the  ruin,  and  uttered  a  prolonged  cry,  the  purport  of 
^y]iich, — and  it  was  fully  understood  from  its  peculiar 
nature, — was  to  claim  attention  from  the  fort.    He  then 
received  from  the  hands  of  the  other  chief  a  long  spear, 
to  the  end  of  which  was  attached  a  piece  of  white  linen. 
This  he  waved  several  times  above  his  head ;  then  stuck 
the  barb  of  the  spear  firmly  into  the  projecting  fragment. 
Quitting  his  elevated  station,  he  next  stood  at  the  side 
of  the  Ottawa  chief,  who  had  already  assumed  the  air 
and  attitude  of  one  waiting  to  observe  in  what  manner 
!iis  signal  would  be  received. 

"  A  flag  of  truce  in  all  its  bearings,  by  Jupiter !"  re- 
marked Captain  Erskine.  "  Ponteac  seems  to  have 
iicquircd  a  few  lessons  since  we  first  met." 

"  This  is  evidently  the  suggestion  of  some  European," 
observed  Major  Blackvv  ater ;  "  for  how  should  he  under- 
stand nny  thing  of  the  nature  of  a  white  flag  ?  Some  of 
these  vile  spies  have  put  him  up  to  this." 

"  True  enough,  Blackwatcr  ;  and  they  appear  to  have 
found  an  intelligent  pupil,"  observed  Captain  Wentworth. 
"  I  was  curious  to  know  how  he  would  make  the  attempt 
i<»  approach  us ;  but  certainly  never  once  dreamt  of  his 
liaving  recourse  to  so  civilised  a  method.  Their  plot 
VOL.  i.~16 


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« 


182 


WACOUSTA. 


r: 


works  well,  no  doubt ;  still  we  have  the  counter-plot  to 
oppose  to  it." 

"  We  must  foil  them  with  their  own  weapons,"  re- 
marked the  governor,  "  even  if  it  be  only  with  a  \iew  to 
gain  time.  Wentworth,  desire  one  of  your  bombardiers 
to  hoist  the  large  French  flag  on  the  staff."  The  order 
was  promptly  obeyed.  The  Indians  made  a  simultaneous 
movement  expressive  of  their  satisfaction ;  and  in  the 
course  of  a  minute,  the  tall  warrior,  accompanied  by 
nearly  a  dozen  inferior  chiefs,  was  seen  slowly  advancing 
across  the  common,  towards  the  group  of  officers. 

"  What  generous  confidence  the  fellow  has  for  an  In- 
dian !"  observed  Captain  Erskine,  who  could  not  dissem- 
ble  his  admiration  of  the  warrior.  "  He  steps  as  firmly 
and  as  proudly  within  reach  of  our  muskets,  as  if  he  was 
leading  in  the  war-dance." 

"  How  strange,"  mused  Captain  Blessington, "  tiiat 
one  who  meditates  so  deep  a  treachery,  should  have  no 
apprehension  of  it  in  others  !" 

"  It  is  a  compliment  to  the  honour  of  our  flag,"  ob- 
served the  governor,  "  which  it  must  be  our  interest  to 
encourage.  If,  as  you  say,  Erskine,  the  man  is  really 
endowed  with  generosity,  the  result  of  this  affair  will  as- 
suredly call  it  forth." 

"  If  it  prove  otherwise,  sir,"  was  the  reply,  "we  must 
only  attribute  his  perseverance  to  the  influence  whicii 
that  terrible  warrior  of  the  Fleurde  lis  is  said  to  exercise 
over  his  better  feelinjrs.  By  the  by,  I  sec  nothing  of 
liim  among  this  flag  of  truce  party.  It  could  scarcely 
be  called  a  violation  of  faith  to  cut  off  such  a  rascally  re- 
negad(>.  Wore  he  of  the  number  of  those  advanclii":, 
and  Vallctort's  rifle  within  my  reach,  I  know  not  what 
«use  I  iniglit  not  br.  tempted  to  make  of  the  last." 


Pfi 


'fjl^n 


5C 


i\ 


WACOUSTA. 


183 


Poor  Erskine  was  singularly  infelicitous  in  touching, 
and  ever  unconsciously,  on  a  subject  sure  to  give  pain  to 
more  than  one  of  his  brother  officers.  A  cloud  passed 
over  the  brow  of  the  governor,  but  it  was  one  that  ori- 
o-inated  more  in  sorrow  than  in  anger.  Neither  had  he 
time  to  linger  on  the  painful  recollections  hastily  and 
confusedly  called  up  by  the  allusion  made  to  this  formi- 
dable and  mysterious  being,  for  the  attention  of  all  was 
now  absorbed  by  the  approaching  Indians.  With  a  bold 
and  confiding  carriage  the  fierce  Ponteac  moved  at  the 
head  of  his  little  party,  nor  hesitated  one  moment  in  his 
course,  until  he  got  near  the  brink  of  the  ditch,  and  stood 
face  to  face  with  the  governor,  at  a  distance  that  gave 
both  parties  not  only  the  facility  of  tracing  the  expres- 
sion of  each  other*s  features,  but  of  conversing  without 
effort.  There  he  made  a  sudden  stand,  and  thrusting 
his  spear  into  the  earth,  assumed  an  attitude  as  devoid  of 
apprehension  as  if  he  had  been  in  the  heart  of  his  own 
encampment. 

"  My  father  has  understood  ray  sign,"  said  the  haughty 
chief.  "  The  warriors  of  a  dozen  tribes  are  far  behind 
the  path  the  Ottawa  has  just  travelled ;  but  when  the  red 
skin  comes  unarmed,  the  hand  of  the  Saganaw  is  tied  be- 
hind his  back." 

"  The  strong  hold  of  the  Saganaw  is  his  safeguard," 
rephed  the  governor,  adopting  the  language  of  the  In- 
dian. "When  the  enemies  of  his  great  father  come  in 
strength,  he  knows  how  to  disperse  them ;  but  wlicn  a 
warrior  throws  himself  unarmed  into  his  power,  he  re- 
spects his  confidence,  and  his  arms  hang  rusting  at  his 
side." 

"  The  talk  of  my  father  is  big,"  replied  the  warrior, 
Willi  a  scornful  expression  that  seemed  to  doubt  the  fact 


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184 


WACOUSTA. 


of  SO  much  indifference  as  to  himself;  but  when  it  is  a 
great  chief  who  directs  the  nations,  and  that  chief  his 
sworn  enemy,  the  teinplation  to  the  Saganaw  may  be 
strong." 

"  The  Saganaw  is  without  fear,"  emphatically  rejoined 
the  governor ;  "  he  is  strong  in  his  own  honour ;  and  he 
would  rather  die  under  the  tomahawk  of  the  red  skin, 
than  procure  a  peace  by  an  act  of  traachery." 

The  Indian  paused;  cold,  calm  looks  of  intelligence 
passed  between  him  and  his  followers,  and  a  few  indis- 
tinct and  guttural  sentences  were  exchanged  among 
themselves. 

"  But  our  father  asks  not  why  our  mocassins  have 
brushed  the  dew  from  off  the  common,"  resumed  the 
chief;  "  and  yet  it  is  long  since  the  Saganaw  and  the 
red  skin  have  spoken  to  each  other,  except  through  the 
war  whoop.  My  father  must  wonder  to  see  the  great 
chief  of  the  Ottawas  without  the  hatchet  in  his  hand." 

"  The  hatchet  oflen  wounds  those  who  use  it  unskil- 
fully,"  calmly  returned  the  governor.  "  The  Saganaw  is 
not  blind.  The  Ottawas  and  the  other  tribes  find  the 
war  paint  heavy  on  their  skins.  They  see  that  my  young 
men  are  not  to  be  conquered,  and  they  have  sent  the 
great  head  of  all  the  nations  to  sue  for  peace," 

In  spite  of  the  habitual  reserve  and  self-possession  of 
liis  race,  the  haughty  warrior  could  not  repress  a  move- 
ment of  impatience  at  the  bold  and  taunting  language  of 
his  enemy,  and  for  a  moment  tuere  was  a  fire  in  his  eye 
that  told  how  willingly  he  would  have  washed  away  the 
insult  in  his  blood.  The  same  low  guttural  exclamations 
that  had  previously  escaped  tlicir  lips,  marked  the  sense 
entertained  of  the  remark  by  his  companions. 

"  My  father  is  right,"  pursued  the  chief,  resuming  I)i> 


WACOUSTA. 


185 


sclf-conimand ;  "  the  Ottawas,  and  the  otlier  tribes,  ask 
for  peace,  but  not  because  they  are  afraid  of  war.  When 
they  strike  the  Iiatchet  into  the  war  post,  they  leave  it 
there  until  their  enemies  ask  them  to  take  it  out." 

»  Why  come  they  now,  then,  to  ask  for  peace  ?"  was 
the  cool  demand.  The  warrior  hesitated,  evidently  at  a 
loss  to  g^ive  a  reply  that  could  reconcile  the  palpable  con- 
tradiction of  his  words,  "  The  rich  furs  of  our  forests 
have  become  many,"  he  t  length  observed,  "  since  wc 
first  took  up  the  hatchet  uist  the  Saganaw  ;  and  every 
Iiillct  we  keep  for  our  enemies  is  a  loss  to  our  trade.  Wc 
once  exchanged  furs  with  the  children  of  our  father  of 
the  pale  flag.  They  gave  us,  in  return,  guns,  blankets, 
powder,  ball,  and  all  that  the  red  man  requires  in  the 
hunting  season.  These  are  all  expended ;  and  my  young 
men  would  deal  with  the  Saganaw  as  they  did  with  the 
French." 

"  Good ;  the  red  skins  would  make  peace;  and  although 
the  arm  of  the  Saganaw  is  strong,  he  will  not  turn  a  deaf 
car  to  their  desire." 

"  All  the  strong  holds  of  the  Saganaw,  except  two, 
have  fallen  before  the  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas!" 
proudly  returned  the  Indian,  with  a  look  of  mingled 
scorn  and  defiance.  "  Tliey,  too,  thought  themselves 
beyond  the  reach  of  our  tomahawks  ;  but  they  were  de- 
ceived. In  less  than  a  single  moon  nine  of  them  have 
fallen,  and  the  tents  of  my  young  warriors  are  darkened 
with  their  scalps  ;  but  this  is  past.  If  the  red  skin  asks 
for  peace,  it  is  because  he  is  tired  of  seeing  the  blood  of 
the  Saganaw  on  his  tomahawk.     Does  my  father  hear  ?" 

"  We  will  listen  to  the  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas,  and 
Iicar  what  he  has  to  say,"  returned  the  governor,  who,  as 
well  as  the  officers  at  his  side,  could  with  difficulty  con- 


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WIISTIR,N  Y    l4StO 

'7U)l7a-4S03 


6"^ 


Hi- ■"•■■'• 


mm 

kAmp 


186 


WAC0U3TA. 


.-». 


ceal  their  disgust  and  sorrow  at  the  dreadful  intelligence 
thus  imparted  of  the  fates  of  their  companions.    "  But 
peace,"  he  pursued  with  dignity,  "  can  only  be  made  in 
the  council  room,  and  under  the  sacred  pledge  of  the 
Calumet.    The  great  chief  has  a  wampum  belt  on  Iiis 
shoulder,  and  a  calumet  in  his  hand.     His  aged  warriors, 
too,  are  at  his  side.    What  says  the  Ottawa  ?    Will  Ik 
enter  ?     If  so,  the  gate  of  the  Saganaw  shall  be  ojicn  to 
him."    The  warrior  started;  and  for  a  moment  the  con- 
fidence  that   had  hitherto  distinguished  him  seemed  to 
give  place  to  an  apprehension  of  meditated  troaclurv, 
He,  however,  speedily  recovered  himself,  and  observed 
emphatically,  "  It  is  the  great  head  of  all  the  nations 
whom  my  father  invites  to  the  council  seat.    Were  lio 
to  remain  in  the  hands  of  the  Saganaw,  his  younjr  men 
would  lose  their  strength.  They  would  bury  the  hatcliH 
for  ever  in  despair,  and  hide  their  faces  in  the  iap.s  of 
their  women." 

**  Does  the  Ottawa  chief  see  the  pale  flag  on  the  strong 
hold  of  his  enemies.  While  that  continues  to  fly,  lie  is 
safe  as  if  he  were  under  the  cover  of  his  own  wigwam. 
If  the  Saganaw  could  use  guile  like  the  fox,"  (and  this 
was  said  with  marked  emphasis,)  **  what  should  prevent 
him  from  cutting  off  the  Ottawa  and  his  chiefs,  even 
where  they  now  stand  ?"  A  half  smile  of  derision 
passed  over  the  dark  cheek  of  the  Indian.  "  If  the  orin  of 
an  Ottawa  is  strong,"  he  said,  "  his  foot  is  not  less  swift 
Tlie  short  guns  of  the  chiefs  of  the  Saganaw"  (pointini; 
to  the  pistols  of  the  officers)  "  could  not  reach  us ;  and 
before  the  voice  of  our  father  could  be  raised,  or  his  eye 
turned,  to  call  his  warriors  to  his  side,  the  Ottawa  would 
be  already  far  on  his  way  to  the  forest." 

"  The  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas  shall  judge  better  of 


WACOUSTA. 


187 


llie  SajEfanaw,"  returned  the  governor.  '  He  shall  see 
that  liis  young  men  are  ever  watehful  at  their  posts : — 
Up,  men,  and  show  yourselves."  A  second  or  two  suf- 
ficed to  bring  the  whole  of  Captain  Erskine's  eompany, 
who  had  been  lying  flat  on  their  faces,  to  their  feet  on 
the  rampart.  The  Indians  were  evidently  taken  by  sur- 
prise, though  they  evinced  no  fear.  The  low  and  guttu- 
ral "  ugh  !"  was  the  only  expression  they  gave  to  their 
astonishment,  n  t  unmingled  with  admiration. 

But,  although  the  chiefs  preserved  their  presence  of 
mind,  the  sudden  appearance  of  the  soldiers  had  excited 
alarm  among  their  warriors,  who,  grouped  in  and  around 
the  bomb-proof,  were  watching  every  movement  of  the 
conferring  parties,  with  an  interest  proportioned  to  the 
risk  they  conceived  their  head  men  had  incurred  in  ven- 
turing under  the  very  walls  of  their  enemies.  Fierce 
yells  were  uttered  ;  and  more  than  a  hundred  dusky  war- 
riors, brandishing  their  tomahawks  in  air,  leaped  along 
the  skirt  of  the  common,  evidently  only  awaiting  the  sig- 
nal of  their  great  chief,  to  advance  and  cover  his  retreat. 
At  the  command  of  the  governor,  however,  the  men  had 
again  suddenly  disappeared  from  the  surface  of  the  ram- 
part ;  80  that  when  the  Indians  finally  |)erceived  their 
leader  stood  unharmed  and  unmolested,  on  the  spot  he 
had  previously  occupied,  the  excitement  died  away,  and 
they  once  more  assumed  their  attitude  of  profound  atten. 
tion. 

"What  thinks  the  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas  now  7" 
asked  the  governor ; — ^*  did  he  imagine  that  the  young 
white  men  lie  slcei)ing  like  beavers  in  their  dams,  when 
the  hunter  sets  his  traps  to  catch  tliem  ? — did  he  ima- 
gine that  they  foresee  not  the  designs  of  their  enemies  ? 


(  ;--Al..-^ 


■v.*^-; 


;,    ..    ■•  •  .*«  F^-^i^ 


J   >.     ,      /!'•?•    1-t-if  ('■■ 


.  ■■'  '■•■^■"^)e. 


>"* 


188 


WACOUSTA. 


and  that  ihcy  arc  not  always  on  the  watch  to  prevent 
them?" 

"  My  father  is  a  grreat  warrior,"  returned  the  Indian; 
"  and  if  his  arm  is  full  of  strength,  his  head  is  full  of  wiy 
dom.  The  chiefs  will  no  lonjrcr  hesitate  ; — tiiey  will 
enter  the  strong  hold  of  the  Saganaw,  and  sit  witii  liiu: 
in  the  council."  He  next  addressed  a  few  words,  and  in 
a  language  not  understood  hy  those  upon  the  walls,  to 
one  of  the  younger  of  the  Indians.  The  latter  acknow. 
lodged  his  sense  and  approbation  of  what  was  said  to  Iiini 
by  an  assentient  and  expressive  "  ugh  !"  which  caiiu 
from  his  chest  without  any  apparent  emotion  of  tlic  lips, 
much  in  the  manner  of  a  modern  ventriloquist.  lie  tiien 
hastened,  with  rapid  and  lengthened  boundings,  across 
the  common  towards  his  band.  After  the  lapse  of  a  mi- 
nute or  two  from  reaching  them,  another  simultaneous 
cry  arose,  differing  in  expression  from  any  that  had  hilh. 
erto  been  heard.  It  was  one  denoting  submission  to  tiie 
will,  and  compliance  with  some  conveyed  desire,  of  tiicir 
superior. 

"  Is  the  gate  of  the  Saganaw  open  ?"  asked  the  latter, 
OS  soon  OS  his  car  had  been  greeted  with  the  cry  we  have 
just  named.  "The  Ottawa  and  the  other  great  chiefs 
are  ready  ; — their  hearts  are  bold,  and  they  throw  them- 
selves into  tlic  hands  of  tlie  Saganaw  without  fear." 

"  The  Ottawa  chief  knows  the  patli,"  drily  rejoined 
the  governor :  "  when  he  comes  in  peace,  it  is  ever  oihii 
to  hira ;  but  when  his  young  men  press  it  witii  the  tnina- 
hawk  in  their  hands,  the  big  tlmnder  is  roused  to  nnpi  r, 
and  they  are  scattered  away  like  the  leaves  of  ilio  forest 
in  the  storm.  Even  now,"  he  pursued,  as  the  little  hand 
of  Indians  moved  slowly  round  the  walls,  "  the  gnfj*  of  tlit 
Saganaw  0[>cn8  for  the  Ottawa  and  the  other  eiiicfs." 


ii 


m 


■  • ;  V, 


WACOUSTA. 


189 


"Let  the  most  vigilant  caution  be  used  every  where 
along  the  works,  but  especially  in  the  r<;ar,"  continued 
the  governor,  addressing  Captain  Blessington,  on  whom 
the  duty  of  the  day  had  devolved.  "  We  are  safe,  while  their 
chiefs  arc  with  us  ;  but  still  it  will  be  necessary  to  watch 
the  forest  closely.  We  cannot  be  too  much  on  our  guard. 
The  men  had  better  remain  concealed,  every  twentieth 
file  only  standing  up  to  form  a  look-out  chain.  If  any 
movement  of  a  suspicious  nature  be  observed,  let  it  be 
communicated  by  the  discharge  of  a  single  musket,  that 
the  drawbridge  may  be  raised  on  tlie  instant."  Witli 
the  delivery  of  these  brief  instructions  he  quitted  the 
rampart  with  the  majority  of  his  officers.  Meanwhile, 
hasty  preparations  had  been  made  in  the  mess-room  to 
receive  the  chiefs.  The  tables  had  been  removed,  and  a 
nuinber  of  clean  rush  mats,  manufactured  after  tlie  In- 
dian manner,  into  various  figures  and  devices,  spread 
carefully  upon  the  floor  At  the  furtlier  end  from  the 
entrance  was  placed  a  small  table  and  chair,  covered 
with  scarlet  cloth.  This  was  considerably  elevated  above 
the  surface  of  the  floor,  and  intended  for  the  governor. 
On  either  side  of  the  room  neat  these,  were  ranged  a 
iminher  of  chairs  for  the  accommodation  of  the  inferior 
oliicers. 

Major  Blackwatcr  received  the  chiefs  at  the  gate. 
Witli  a  firm,  proud  step,  rendered  more  confident  by  his 
very  unwillingness  to  betray  any  tiling  like  fear,  the  tall, 
and,  as  (-aptain  Erskinc  had  justly  designated  him,  the 
nohlo-looking  Pontcac  trod  the  yielding  planks  tliat 
niiirht  in  llic  next  moment  cut  him  off  from  his  people 
for  ever.  The  other  chiefs,  following  the  example  of 
their  IcackT,  evinced  the  same  easy  fearlessness  of  de- 
incanour,  nor  glanced  once  beliind  them  to  sec  if  there 


■       >>'•'       i    It  H^T'kL 

•.'  •■•".»•■■  "->  .• ' 
■       . »  *  .\  -J 


m 


190 


WACOUSTA. 


was  any  thing  to  justify  the  apprehension  of  hidden  dan. 
ger. 

The  Ottawa  was  evidently  mortified  at  not  beings  re- 
ceived by  the  governor  in  person.  "  My  father  is  not 
here !"  he  said  fiercely  to  the  major : — "  how  is  this  ? 
The  Ottawa  and  the  other  chiefs  are  kings  of  all  ihrir 
tribes.  The  head  of  one  great  people  should  be  received 
only  by  the  head  of  another  great  people !" 

"  Oar  father  sits  in  the  council-hall,"  returned  tlic 
major.  **  He  has  taken  his  seat  that  he  may  receive  the 
warriors  with  becoming  honour.  But  I  am  the  second 
chief,  and  our  father  has  sent  me  to  receive  them."  To 
the  proud  spirit  of  the  Indian  this  explanation  scarcely 
sufficed.  For  a  moment  he  seemed  to  struggle,  as  if  en- 
deavouring  to  stifle  his  keen  sense  of  an  aflTront  put  upon 
him.  At  length  he  nodded  his  head  haughtily  and  conde- 
scendingly, in  token  of  assent ;  and  gathering  up  iiis 
noble  form,  and  swelling  out  his  chest,  as  if  witli  a  view 
to  strike  terror  as  well  as  admiration  into  the  hearts  of 
those  by  whom  he  expected  to  be  surrounded,  stalked 
majestically  forward  at  the  head  of  his  confederates. 

An  indifferent  observer,  or  one  ignorant  of  these  peo- 
ple, would  have  been  at  fault ;  but  those  who  understood 
the  workings  of  an  Indian's  spirit  could  not  have  been 
deceived  by  the  tranquil  exterior  of  these  men.  The  ra- 
pid, keen,  and  lively  glance — the  suppressed  sneer  of  ex- 
ultation— the  half  start  of  surprise — the  low,  guttural, 
and  almost  inaudible  "  ugh  !" — all  these  indicated  the 
eagerness  with  which,  at  one  sly  but  compendious  view, 
they  embraced  the  whole  interior  of  a  fort  which  it  was 
of  such  vital  importance  to  their  future  interests  the  y 
should  become  possessed  of,  yet  which  they  had  so  lonjr 
and  so  unsuccessfully  attempted  to  subdue.    As  they  al 


m 

In 


WACOUSTA. 


191 


vanccd  into  the  square,  they  looked  around,  expecting  to 
hcliold  tiie  full  array  of  their  enemies  ;  but,  to  their  asto- 
nisluncnt,  not  a  soldier  was  to  be  seen.  A  few  women 
and  cliildren  only,  in  whom  curiosity  had  overcome  a 
natural  loathing  and  repugnance  to  the  savages,  were 
i)ccping  from  the  windows  of  the  block-houses.  Even  at 
a  moment  like  the  present,  the  fierce  instinct  of  these 
latter  was  not  to  be  controlled.  One  of  the  children,  ter- 
rified at  the  wild  appearance  of  the  warriors,  screamed 
violently,  and  clung  to  the  bosom  of  its  mother  for  pro- 
tection. Fired  at  the  sound,  a  young  chief  raised  his 
hand  to  his  lips,  and  was  about  to  peal  forth  his  terrible 
war  wliooR  in  the  very  centre  of  the  fort,  when  the  eye  of 
tlic  Ottawa  suddenly  arrested  him. 


h. 

Pi- 

1 1 


'''-::m 


■  '       .1    "   '  *       '^ 


P*4 

K^...     Ill 


ami 


•frllipn.^ 


li"'."'" 


^•s 


192 


WACOUSTA. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 


•iff  J  .    ^'>'  ■     '(-■tS'    ■ 


L't-!  ■ 


mi 


There  were  few  forms  of  courtesy  observed  by  tlic 
warriors  towards  the  English  officers  on  entering  tlio 
council  room.  Pontcac,  who  had  collected  all  his  nativi 
haughtiness  into  one  proud  expression  of  look  and  figure, 
strode  in  without  taking  the  slightest  notice  even  of  the 
governor.  The  other  chiefs  imitated  his  example,  and  all 
took  their  seats  upon  the  matting  in  the  order  prescribed 
by  their  rank  among  the  tribes,  and  their  experience  in 
council.  The  Ottawa  chief  sat  at  the  near  extremity  of 
the  room,  and  immediately  facing  tlie  governor.  A  pro- 
found silence  was  observed  for  some  minutes  after  llie 
Indians  had  seated  themselves,  during  which  they  pro- 
ceeded to  fill  their  pipes.  The  handle  of  that  of  the  Ot- 
tawa chief  was  decorated  with  numerous  feathers  fanci- 
fully disposed. 

"  This  is  well,"  at  length  observed  the  governor.  "It 
is  long  since  the  great  chiefs  of  the  nations  have  smoked 
the  sweet  grass  in  the  council  hallof  tlie  Saganaw.  What 
have  they  to  say,  that  their  young  men  may  have  peace 
to  hunt  the  beaver,  and  to  leave  tlie  print  of  their  mocas- 
sins in  the  country  of  the  buffalo  ? — What  says  the  Ot- 
tawa chief?" 

»» The  Ottawa  chief  is  a  great  warrior,"  returned  the 
other,  haughtily ;  and  again  repudiating,  in  the  indomi- 
tableness  of  Iiis  pride,  tlic  very  views  that  a  more  artlui 


WACOUSTA. 


193 


|K)licy  had  first  led  liim  to  avow.  "  He  has  already  said 
that,  within  a  single  moon,  nine  of  the  strong  holds  of 
the  8af]ranaw  have  fallen  into  his  hands,  and  that  the 
scalps  of  the  white  men  fill  the  tents  of  his  warriors.  If 
ilif  red  skins  wish  for  iieace,  it  is  because  they  are  sick 
with  spilling  the  blood  of  their  enemies.  Does  my 
I'lthcr  hear?" 

"Tlic    Ottawa    has    been   cunning,  like  the    fox," 

,  alinly  returned  the  governor.     "  He  went  with  deceit 

ijHjn  his  lips,  and  said  to  the  great  chiefs  of  the  strong 

!iol(ls  of  the  Saganaw, — '  You  have  no  more  forts  upon 

ihe  lakes;  they  have  all  fallen  before  the  red  skins:  they 

Ijavc  themselves  into  our  hands ;  and  we  spared  their 

lives,  and  sent  them  down  to  th.e  great  towns  near  the 

:  salt  lake.'    But  this  was  false :  the  chiefs  of  the  Saga- 

I  naw  believing  what  was  said  to  them,  gave  up  their 

Utronjr  holds ;  but  their  lives  were  not  spared,  and  the 

irrass  of  thcCanadas  is  yet  moist  witli  their  blood.  Docs 

llln  Ottawa  hear?" 

Amazement  and  stupefaction  sat  for  a  moment  on  the 
jfeaturcs  of  the  Indians.  The  fact  was  as  had  been 
Istatcd;  and  yet,  so  completely  had  the  several  forts  been 
jcut  off  from  all  communication,  it  was  deemed  almost 
liiiiiwssible  one  could  have  received  tidings  of  the  fate  of 
Ithc  other,  unless  conveyed  through  tlie  Indians  them- 
Vlves. 

"The  spies  of  the  Saganaw  have  been  very  quick  to 
bca|)c  the  vigilance  of  the  red  skins,"  at  length  replied 
"Uie  Ottawa;  "  yet  they  have  returned  with  a  lie  upon 
pieir  lips.  I  swear  by  the  Great  Spirit,  that  nine  of  the 
itrong  holds  of  the  Saganaw  have  been  destroyed.  How 
Nld  the  Ottawa  go  with  deceit  upon  his  lips,  when  his 
Vonls  were  truth  ?" 

VOL  1.— 17 


4'  ■'iWf!».«T„. 


•■•  ..'^  ■■■■■■  *.\^''.  dt^ 


V.-. 


^  "V,  .    • 

■I  *•  's  •  .  ,  ■• 

,  .  ■  .  -  i      '■  ■  , 


■is 


\  • 


il 


194 


WACOUSTA. 


"  When  the  red  skins  said  so  to  tlie  warriors  of  the 
last  forts  they  took,  they  said  true ;  but  when  they  went 
to  the  first,  and  said  that  all  the  rest  had  fallen,  they  u^td 
deceit.  A  great  nation  should  overcome  their  eiioiiiks 
like  warriors,  and  not  seek  to  beguile  them  witli  tlai: 
tongues  under  the  edge  of  the  scalping  knife  !" 

"  Wliy  did  the  Saganaw  come  into  the  country  of  the 
red  skins  ?"  haughtily  demanded  the  chief.  "  Why  did 
tliey  take  our  limiting  grounds  from  us?  Why  liav, 
they  strong  places  encircling  the  country  of  the  In(liaii<, 
like  a  belt  of  wampum  round  the  waist  of  a  warrior .'" 

"  This  is  not  true,"  rejoined  the  governor.  "  It  was 
not  the  Saganaw,  but  the  warriors  of  the  pale  flag,  wlio 
first  came  and  took  away  the  hunting  grounds,  ajiii 
built  the  strong  places.  The  great  father  of  tlie  Saganaw 
had  beaten  the  great  father  of  the  pale  flag  quite  out  of  tin 
Canadas,  and  he  sent  his  young  men  to  take  their  place 
and  to  make  peace  with  the  red  skins,  and  to  trade  witii 
them,  and  to  call  them  brothers." 

"  The  Saganaw  was  false,"  retorted  the  Iiidian.- 
"  When  a  chief  of  the  Saganaw  came  for  the  first  tiin. 
with  his  warriors  into  the  country  of  the  Ottawas,  the 
chief  of  the  Ottawas  stood  in  his  path,  and  asked  hiui 
why,  and  from  whom,  he  came  ?  That  chief  was  a 
bold  warrior,  and  his  heart  was  open,  and  the  Ottawa 
liked  him  ;  and  when  he  said  he  came  to  be  friendly  witli 
the  red  skins,  the  Ottawa  believed  him,  and  he  shook 
him  by  the  hand,  and  said  to  his  young  men,  '  Touch 
not  the  life  of  a  Saganaw ;  for  their  chief  is  the  friend  ot 
the  Ottawa  chief,  and  his  young  men  sliall  be  the  fricnd> 
of  the  red  warriors.'  Look,"  he  proceeded,  markinj,'  hi? 
sense  of  the  discovery  by  anotiier  of  those  cjaculatory 
"  ughsl"  so  expressive  of  surprise  in  an  Indian,  "at  the 


WACOUSTA. 


195 


riirht  hand   of  my   father    I  sec  a  chief,"  pointin/r  to 

t'ajrtain  Erskinc,  "  wlio  came  with  tliosc  of  the  Saganaw 

who  first  entered  the  country  of  the  Detroit ; — ask  that 

cliicf  if  what  the  Ottawa  says  is  not  true.     When  the 

Sajranaw  said  he  came  only  to  remove  the  warriors  of 

the  pale  fla^,  that  he  might  he  friendly  and  trade  with  the 

red  skins,  the  Ottawa  received  the  belt  of  wampum  he 

offered,  and  smoked  the  pipe  of  peace  with  him,  and  he 

made  his  men  bring  bags  of  parched  corn  to  his  warriors 

who  wanted  food,  and  he  sent  to  all  the  nations  on  the  lakes, 

and  said  to  them,  *  The  Saganaw  must  pass  unhurt  to  the 

strong  hold  on  the  Detroit.'     But  for  the  Ottawa,  not  a 

Safiranaw  would  have  escaped;    for   the   nations   were 

lliirsting  for  their  blood,  and  the  knives  of  the  warriors 

were  cajjcr  to  open  their  scalps.     Ask  the  chief  who  sits 

at  the  right  hand  of  my  father,"  he  again  energetically 

repeated,  "  if  what  the  Ottawa  says  is  not  true." 

"  VVliat  the  Ottawa  says  is  true,"  rejoined  the  gover- 
nor ;  "  for  the  chief  who  sits  on  my  right  hand  has  often 
wid  that,  but  for  the  Ottawa,  the  small  number  of  the 
warriors  of  the  Saganaw  must  have  been  cut  off ;  and 
his  heart  is  big  with  kindness  to  the  Ottawa  for  what  he 
did.  Rut  if  the  great  chief  meant  to  be  friendly,  why 
did  he  declare  war  after  smoking  the  pipe  of  peace  with 
the  Saganaw  ?  Why  did  he  destroy  the  wigwams  of 
the  ■settlers,  and  carry  off  the  scalps  even  of  their  weak 
women  and  children  ?  All  this  has  the  Ottawa  done  ; 
and  yet  he  says  that  he  wished  to  be  friendly  with  my 
younjj  men.  But  the  Saganaw  is  not  a  fool.  He  knows 
the  Ottawa  chief  had  no  will  of  his  own.  On  the  right 
liand  of  the  Ottawa  sits  the  great  chief  of  the  Delawares, 
and  on  his  left  tlie  great  chief  of  the  Shawanees.  They 
have  iongr  been  the  sworn  enemies  of  the  Saganaw  ;  and 


't; 


y 


il"  ■.■..,;    >,  ■^  \'^f'-  .  ■! 

...  .  .       •      ,  ^  :     '     *         '      ■ 


!,•■•■ 

It 

ii-: 

*'                            '            '  ■      J  ^ 

1  ■  a.  *^V»^ 


fv' 


■.'  •    i  V.'T/'I 


1       ■■..♦if 'Oil ♦a  ■  ,"■  •  *■», '    •■ 

111.      'T  i'^'P.     S  +  Htf   '   ■■     '' 

c  .' '  ■■»'  frji.-'li  i  ■•♦wft,  ■■  ■  '■  . 


l.t«5S':-'!-S;;..-'i 

.1.1   .■.  ^''^''-'Ij*  .vH  '^.^,.1  '■'  f 


mi 


196 


WACOITSTA. 


they  came  from  the  rivers  that  run  near  the  salt  lake  tr 
stir  up  the  red  skins  of  the  Detroit  to  war.  They  whij. 
pcred  wicked  words  in  the  ear  of  the  Ottawa  chief,  and 
he  determined  to  take  up  the  bloody  liatchet.  Tiiis  is  a 
shame  to  a  great  warrior.  The  Ottawa  was  a  kin? 
over  all  the  tribes  in  the  country  of  the  fresh  lakes,  and 
yet  he  weakly  took  council  like  a  woman  from  anotlur'' 

"  My  father  lies !"  fiercely  retorted  the  warrior,  half 
springing"  to  his  feet,  and  involuntarily  putting  his  hand 
upon  his  tomahawk.  "  If  the  settlers  of  the  Sajjanaw 
have  fallen,"  he  resumed  in  a  calmer  tone,  wliilc  lie 
again  sank  upon  his  mat,  "  it  is  because  they  did  not 
keep  tlieir  faith  with  the  red  skins.  When  they  came 
weak,  and  were  not  yet  secure  in  their  stronjsf  holds, 
their  tongues  were  smooth  and  full  of  soft  words ;  but 
when  they  became  strong  under  the  protection  of  their 
tlninder,  they  no  longer  treated  the  red  skins  .is  tlicir 
friends,  and  they  laughed  at  them  for  letting  them  come 
into  their  country.  "But,"  he  pursued,  elevating  his 
voice,  "  the  Ottawa  is  a  great  chief,  and  he  will  l)e  re- 
spected." Then  adverting  in  bitterness  to  the  influence 
supposed  to  be  exercised  over  him — "  What  my  father  has 
said  is  false.  The  Shawances  and  the  Dclawares  are 
great  nations ;  but  the  Ottawas  are  greater  tlian  any,  and 
their  chiefs  arc  full  of  wisdom.  The  Shawances  and  the 
Delawares  had  no  talk  with  the  Ottawa  cliief  to  make 
him  do  what  his  own  wisdom  did  not  tell  him." 

"  Then,  if  the  talk  came  not  from  the  Shawances  and 
the  Dclawares,  it  came  from  the  spies  of  tlie  warriors  of 
the  pale  flag.  The  great  father  of  the  French  was  anjrv 
with  the  great  father  of  the  Saganaw,  because  lie  con- 
quered his  warriors  in  many  battles ;  and  he  sent  wicked 
men  to  whisper  lies  of  the  Saganaw  into  the  cars  of  the 


WACOTTSTA. 


197 


rod  skins,  and  to  mako  them  take  up  the  hatchet  ajofainst 
tlicin.  There  is  a  tall  spy  at  this  moment  in  the  camp 
of  flic  rod  skins,"  ho  pursued  with  earnestness,  and  yet 
iKiiinjj  as  he  spoke.  "  It  is  said  he  is  the  hosom  friend 
ol'tiic  {jrcat  chief  of  the  Ottawus.  Hut  I  will  not  helievc 
it.  The  head  of  a  great  nation  would  not  be  the  friend 
of  a  spy — of  one  who  is  baser  than  a  dog-.  His  j)eoplc 
would  despise  him ;  and  they  would  say,  '  Our  chief  is 
not  fit  to  sit  in  council,  or  to  make  war ;  for  he  is  led  by 
tlio  word  of  a  pale  face  who  is  without  honour.'  " 

The  swarthy  cheek  of  the  Indian  reddened,  and  his 
( yc  kindled  into  fire.  "  There  is  no  spy,  but  a  jrrcat 
warrior  in  the  camp  of  the  Ottawas,'.'  he  fiercely  replied. 
"  Though  he  came  from  the  country  that  lies  beyond  the 
salt  lake,  he  is  now  a  chief  of  the  red  skins,  and  his  arm 
is  mighty,  and  his  heart  is  big.  Would  my  father  know 
why  he  has  become  a  chief  of  the  Ottawas  ?"  he  pursued 
with  scornfiil  exultation.  "  When  the  strong  holds  of 
the  Saganaw  fell,  the  tomahawk  of  the  *  white  warrior' 
drank  more  blood  than  that  of  a  red  skin,  and  Iiis  tent 
is  hung  round  with  poles  bending  under  the  weight  of 
the  scalps  he  has  taken.  When  the  great  chief  of  the 
Ottawas  dies,  the  pale  fiicc  will  lead  his  warriors,  and 
take  the  first  seat  in  the  council.  The  Ottawa  chief  is 
his  friend." 

"  If  the  pale  face  be  the  friend  of  the  Ottawa,"  pur- 
sued the  governor,  in  the  hope  of  obtaining  some  parti- 
cular intelligence  in  regard  to  this  terrible  and  myste- 
rious heing,  "  why  is  he  not  here  to  sit  in  council  with 
the  ehicfs  ?  Perhaps,"  he  proceeded  tauntingly,  as  he 
taiicied  he  perceived  a  disinclination  on  the  part  of  the 
Indian  to  account  for  the  absence  of  the  warrior,  "  the 
pale  face  is  not  worthy  to  take  his  place  among  the  head 

17* 


*        ■    -■• .-     ■  .;''  ■•.>„.- 
■  ■  ■    -■     ,■"'■'  '  ;■■'■;.;■'••.■<    'I 

■■    ^''■V; ■:.■{.-  J.^.-    '■    ■ 
■  "  ■  '  '  I  .  .r  - 


';V- 


»  # 


I 
■  V 


:   ■■ '.i 


■:),        ••       • 


'<V'^; 


■  V     .. 


%'-S\'- 


m 

F'^ 

'.(:.  '^m^ 

fe 

i 


■■'if' els--' ■?"'■■■' 


"'       ■■■"       ^ViFifcljK.     •  ■ 


!,.  J'.E! 


ih  1 


J'* 


^<7 


198 


WACOUSTA. 


men  of  the  council.^  His  arm  may  be  strong  like  that 
of  a  warrior,  but  his  head  may  be  weak  like  that  of  ^ 
woman ;  or,  perhaps,  he  is  ashamed  to  show  liinisclf  k. 
fore  the  pale  faees,  who  have  turned  him  out  of  tlicir 
tribe." 

"  My  father  lies  I"  again  unceremoniously  retorted  tlic 
warrior.  "  If  the  friend  of  the  Ottawa  is  not  lion.',  it  i> 
because  his  voice  cannot  speak.  Docs  my  father  rtci'i. 
lect  the  bridge  on  ;viiich  he  killed  his  young  warrior 
Does  he  recollect  the  terrible  chase  of  the  pale  face  In 
the  friend  of  the  Ottawa  ?  Ugh  !"  he  continued,  as  l,i^ 
attention  was  now  diverted  to  another  object  of  intcri<t, 
"  that  pale  face  was  swifter  tlian  any  runner  amonp  tin 
red  skins,  and  for  his  fleetness  he  deserved  to  live  to  jjt 
a  great  hunter  in  the  Canadas ;  but  fear  broke  liis  heart 
— fear  of  the  friend  of  the  Ottawa  chief.  The  red  skins 
saw  him  fall  at  the  feet  of  the  Saganaw  without  liil, 
and  they  saw  the  young  warriors  bear  him  oft"  in  llioi: 
arms.  Is  not  tlie  Ottawa  right  ?"  The  Indian  paused, 
threw  his  eye  rapidly  along  the  room,  and  then,  fixiiiir  it 
on  the  governor,  seemed  to  wait  with  deep  but  suppn.v- 
cd  interest  for  his  reply. 

"  Peace  to  the  bones  of  a  brave  warrior  !"  scrionsiv 
and  evasively  returned  the  governor :  "  tlie  pale  tiict  \> 
no  longer  in  the  land  of  the  Canadas,  and  the  youni: 
warriors  of  the  Saganaw  are  sorry  for  his  loss ;  but  what 
would  the  Ottawa  say  of  tiic  bridge  ?  and  what  has  ihr 
pale  warrior,  the  friend  of  the  Ottawa,  to  do  with  it 

A  gleam  of  satisfaction  pervaded  the  countenniicc  of 
the  Indian,  as  he  eagerly  bent  his  car  to  receive  the  as- 
surance that  the  fugitive  was  no  more  ;  but  when  allu- 
sion was  again  made  to  the  strangp  ..awlof,  liis  brow 
became  overcast,  and  he  replied  with  mingled  Imugliii- 


WACOUSTA. 


199 


noss  and  an^cr, — "  Does  my  father  ask  ?  He  has  do^s 
of  spies  ainon^  tlic  settlers  of  the  pale  flag,  but  the  to- 
mahawk of  the  red  skins  will  find  them  out,  and  they 
shall  i)erish  even  as  the  Saganaw  themselves.  Two 
ni?lits  ago,  wiien  the  warriors  of  the  Ottawus  were  re- 
turning from  their  scout  upon  tlic  common,  they  heard 
the  voice  of"  Onondato,  the  great  wolf-dog  of  the  friend 
of  the  Ottawa  chief  The  voice  ramc  from  the  bridge 
where  the  Saganaw  killed  his  young  warrior,  and  it 
called  upon  the  red  skins  for  assistance.  My  young 
men  n^ave  their  war  cry,  and  ran  like  wild  deer  to  de- 
stroy the  enemies  of  their  chief;  but  when  they  came 
the  spies  had  fled,  and  the  voice  of  Onondato  was  low 
and  weak  as  that  of  a  new  fawn  ;  and  when  the  war- 
riors came  to  the  other  end  of  the  bridge,  they  found  the 
pale  chief  lying  across  the  road  and  covered  over  with 
blood.  They  thought  he  was  dead,  and  their  cry  was 
tcrrihle ;  for  the  pale  warrior  is  a  great  chief,  and  the 
Ottawas  love  him  ;  but  when  they  looked  again,  they 
saw  that  the  blood  was  the  blood  of  Onondato,  whose 
throat  the  spies  of  the  Saganaw  had  cut,  that  he  might 
not  hunt  tlicm  and  give  them  to  the  tomahawk  of  the 
rod  skins." 

Frequent  glances,  expressive  of  their  deep  interest  in 
the  nnnounccment  of  this  intelligence,  passed  between 
the  fifovernor  and  iiis  oflicers.  It  was  clear  the  party 
who  had  encountered  the  terrible  warrior  of  tiic  B'leur 
(Ic  lis  wore  not  spies  (for  none  were  employed  by  the 
jfarrison),  but  their  adventurous  companions  who  had  so 
recently  quitted  tliem.  This  was  put  beyond  all  doubt 
by  the  ni^rht,  the  hour,  and  the  not  less  important  fact  of 
the  locality ;  for  it  was  from  the  bridge  described  by  tiio 
Indian,  near  whicli  the  (/anadian  had  stated  his  conocto 


./■ «.  ■: 


•      u^ 


'■•\- .' 

*  -    ■■'>• 

,  I- ,  >:,  ...I 


«  ,    : 

7  ■  .i 


m 


» * 


■j:  V^ 


11 


A ..  ^'• 


.4 


•  .;> 


>:ff 


m 


X^A 


200 


WACOUSTA. 


be  chained,  they  were  to  embark  on  their  perilous  and 
uncertain  enterprise.  Tlie  question  of  their  own  csciqR 
from  danger  in  this  unlooked  for  collision  with  so  powi  r. 
ful  and  ferocious  an  enemy,  and  of  the  fidelity  ot'  iliu 
Canadian,  still  remained  involved  in  doubt,  which  it 
might  be  imprudent,  if  not  dangerous,  to  seek  to  havt 
resolved  by  any  direct  remark  on  the  subject  to  the  kcon 
and  observant  warrior.  The  governor  removed  this  dilli. 
culty  by  artfully  observing, — "  The  great  chief  of  tin 
Ottawas  has  said  they  were  the  spies  of  the  Satriinav, 
who  killed  the  pale  warrior.  His  young  men  has  toiuul 
them,  then ;  or  how  could  he  know  they  were  spies  /" 

"  Is  there  a  warrior  among  the  Saganaw  who  dares  to 
show  himself  in  tlic  path  of  the  red  skins,  unless  he 
come  in  strength  and  surrounded  by  his  thunder  ?"  was 
the  sneering  demand.  "  But  my  father  is  wrong  if  In 
supposes  the  friend  of  the  Ottawa  is  killed.  No,"  In 
pursued  fiercely,  "  the  dogs  of  spies  could  not  kill  liiin 
they  were  afraid  to  face  so  terrible  a  warrior.  They' 
came  behind  him  in  the  dark,  and  they  struck  liiiii  on 
the  head  like  cowards  and  foxes  as  they  were.  The 
warrior  of  the  pale  face,  and  the  friend  of  the  Ottawa 
chief,  is  sick,  but  not  dead.  He  lies  without  motion  in 
his  tent,  and  his  voice  cannot  speak  to  Iiis  friend  to  tell 
him  who  were  his  enemies,  tliat  he  inuy  brinn;  tiuir 
scalps  to  hang  up  within  his  wigwam.  J}iit  llie  great 
chief  will  soon  be  well,  and  his  arm  will  be  stroiipcr 
than  ever  to  spill  the  blood  of  the  Saganaw  ;is  he  has 
done  before." 

"  The  talk  of  the  Ottawa  chief  is  strange,"  rcturneti 
the  governor,  en4)hatieally  and  with  dignity.  "  Jle  sa}> 
he  comes  to  smoke  the  pipe  of  peace  with  the  Sngaiiiiw. 
and  yet  he  talks  of  spilling  their  blood  as  if  it  wuh  water 


I  Mi 


itJ-  mfii 


'■■'*"■  ",v,-.'  r 


WACOUSTA. 


201 


from  the  lake.  What  does  the  Ottawa  mean  ?"  "  Ugh  I" 
exclaimed  the  Indian,  in  his  surprise.  "  My  father  is 
ritrht,  but  the  Ottawa  and  the  Saganaw  have  not  yet 
smoked  together.  When  they  have,  the  hatchet  will  be 
biuii'd  for  ever.     Until  then,  they  are  still  enemies." 

During  tliis  long  and  important  colloquy  of  the  lead- 
iiiL'  parties,  tlic  strictest  silence  had  been  preserved  by 
the  remainder  of  the  council.     The  inferior  chiefs  had 
continued   deliberately    puffing  the   smoke   from  their 
curled  lips,  as  they  sat  cross-legged  on  their  mats,  and 
nodding  their  heads  at  intervals  in  confirmation  of  the 
occasional  appeal  made  by  the  rapid  glance  of  the  Ottawa, 
and  uttering  their  guttural  "  Ugh  I"  whenever  any  ob- 
servation of  the  parlant  parties  touched  their  feelings,  or 
called  forth  their  surprise.    The  officers  had  been  no 
less  silent  and  attentive  listeners,  to  a  conversation  on 
the  issue  of  which  hung  so  many  dear  and  paramount 
interests.    A  pause  in  the  conference  gave  them  an  op- 
portunity of  commenting  in  a  low  tone  on  the  commu- 
nication made,  in  the  strong  excitement  of  his  pride, 
by  the  Ottawa  chief,   in  regard  to   the  terrible  war- 
rior of  the  Flcur  do  lis;  who,  it  was  evident,  swayed  the 
councils  of  the  Indians,  and  consequently  exercised  an 
intlucncc  over  the  ultimate   destinies  of  the    English, 
wliicii  it  WHS  impossible  to  contemplate  without  alarm, 
h  ".'US  evident  to  all,  from  wliatsoever  cause  it   might 
arise,  this  man  cherished  a  rancour  towards  certain  in- 
dividuals  in  the  fort,  inducing  an  anxiety  in  its  reduction 
scarcely  eciualled  by  that  entertained  on  the  part  of  the 
Indians  thenisolves.     Beyond   this, ,  however,   all    was 
mystery  nnd  doubt ;  nor  had  any  clue  been  given  to  cn- 
al)leilieni  to  arrive  even  at  a  well  founded  apprehension 
*it' the  motives  which  had  given  birth  to  the  vindietivc- 


.1     .''V..-".  ^^J-X^i^ 


I.''- 


S  (■< 


...  .^.,^.;n 


*.*',    . 


'■ ' .'  ■^ ' 


'...^. 


■i-. 


v;.*' 


'■••■•■; 


;i  » ■   'li  '  • ! 


<  .'i 


'■^' 


'  r . 


7'Vf    •  s. 

..*■.<-      '  , 


*••%. 


^r' 


.t 


y^h 


IT- 1  *\  4.'.      ' 

?i-'.a'S-«  ■''i-  Z^i- 
f'j'v'jfC  j;-,  ..■'  ,:'f 
-?'■'  i^' ■■':-•  „  ■'    ■;. 


202 


WACOrSTA. 


ness  of  purpose,  so  universally  ascribed  to  him  even  bv 
the  savages  themselves. 

The  chiefs  also  availed  themselves  of  this  pause  in  tlic 
conversation  of  the  principals,  to  sustain  a  low  and  ani. 
mated  discussion.  Those  of  the  Shawanee  and  Delaware 
nations  were  especially  earnest ;  and,  as  they  spoke 
across  the  Ottawa,  betrayed,  by  their  vehemence  of  ^cs. 
ture,  the  action  of  some  strong  feeling  ujwn  their  minds, 
the  precise  nature  of  which  could  not  be  ascertained 
from  their  speech  at  the  opposite  extremity  of  tiic  room. 
The  Ottawa  did  not  deign  to  join  in  their  conversation, 
but  sat  smoking  his  pipe  in  all  the  calm  and  forbidding 
dignity  of  a  proud  Indian  warrior  conscious  of  his  own 
importance. 

"  Does  the  great  diief  of  the  Ottawas,  then,  seek  for 
peace  in  his  heart  at  length?"  resumed  the  governor; 
"  or  is  he  come  to  the  strong  hold  of  Detroit,  as  he  went 
to  the  other  strong  holds,  with  deceit  on  his  lips  ?"  The 
Indian  slowly  removed  the  pipe  from  his  mouth,  fixed 
his  keen  eye  searchingly  on  that  of  the  questioner  for 
nearly  a  minute,  and  then  briefly  and  hauglitily  said, 
"  The  Ottawa  chief  has  spoken." 

"  And  do  the  great  chiefs  of  the  Shawanccs,  and  the 
great  chiefs  of  the  Delawares,  and  the  great  cliiofs  oftlic 
other  nations,  ask  for  peace  also  ?"  demanded  the  gover- 
nor. "  If  so,  let  them  speak  for  themselves,  and  for 
their  warriors." 

We  will  not  trespass  on  the  reader  by  a  transcript  of 
the  declarations  of  the  inferior  chiefs.  Each  in  his  turn 
avowed  motives  similar  to  those  of  tlic  Ottawa  for  wish- 
ing the  hatchet  might  be  l>uried  for  ever,  and  that  their 
young  men  should  mingle  once  more  in  confidence,  not 
only  with  the  English  troops,  but  with  the  settlers,  who 


WACOUSTA. 


203 


would  again  be  brought  intd  the  country  at  the  cessation 
of  liostilities.  When  each  had  spoken,  the  Ottawa  pass- 
(d  the  pipe  of  ceremony,  with  which  he  was  provided,  to 
die  governor.  Tlie  latter  put  it  to  his  lips,  and  commenc- 
ed smoking.  The  Indians  keenly,  and  half  furtively, 
wdlcliud  the  act ;  and  looks  of  deep  intelligence,  tliat  es- 
caped not  tlie  notice  of  the  equally  anxious  and  observant 
ulEcers,  passed  among  them. 

"  The  pipe  of  the  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas  smokes 
will,"  calmly  remarked  the  governor  ;  "  but  the  Ottawa 
cJiicf,  in  his  hurry  to  come  and  ask  for  peace,  has  made 
a  mistake.  The  pipe  and  all  its  ornaments  are  red  like 
blood :  it  is  the  pipe  of  war,  and  not  the  pipe  of  peace. 
The  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas  will  be  angry  with  him- 
self; lie  has  entered  the  strong  hold  of  the  Saganaw,  and 
sat  in  the  council,  without  doing  any  good  for  his  young 
men.    The  Ottawa  must  come  again." 

A  deep  but  subdued  expression  of  disappointment 
[Kissed  over  the  features  of  the  chiefs.  They  watched 
the  countenances  of  the  officers,  to  see  whether  tlie  sub- 
stitution of  one  pipe  for  the  other  had  been  attributed, 
ill  their  estimation,  to  accident  or  design.  There  was 
iiotliing,  iiowever,  to  indicate  the  slightest  doubt  of  their 
sincerity. 

"  My  father  is  right,"  replied  the  Indian,  with  an  ap- 
|)earance  of  embarrassment,  which,  whether  natural  or 
lligncd,  had  nothing  suspicious  in  it.  "  The  great  chief 
of  the  Ottawas  has  been  foolish,  like  an  old  woman. 
The  young  chiefs  of  his  tribe  will  laugh  at  him  for  this. 
Hut  the  Ottowa  chief  will  come  again,  and  the  other 
chiefs  with  hini,  for,  as  my  father  sees,  they  all  wisJi  for 
IK^^ace ;  and  that  my  father  may  know  all  the  natiouH  wish 
'or  peace,  us  well  as  their  head  men,  tlie  ivarriors  of  the 


,  .       '  .<.-.'■>■■  .'  ."  •  •■■  -'.K-  •  i 


t^.'f 


if 


(■ 


'    iih■•'^;^, 


.,  ■  ■   ....    ;■  »    ■  * 
'  f  •  ,'r  ■ 


■•  %>. 


ft. 


s 


*  ,\ 


^  '. 


■     •   ,v 

■y, 


mi 


>i  v«  ua  '.3* 


204 


WACOUSTA. 


Ottawa,  and  of  the  Shawanec,  and  of  the  Delaware,  sliall 
play  at  ball  upon  the  common,  to  amuse  liis  young  men. 
while  the  chiefs  sit  in  council  wth  the  chiefs  oftlic 
Saganaw.  The  red  skins  shall  come  naked,  and  with- 
out their  rifles  and  their  tomahawks;  and  even  the 
squaws  of  the  warriors  shall  come  upon  the  common,  to 
show  the  Saganaw  they  may  be  without  fear.  Docs  my 
father  hear  ?" 

"  The  Ottawa  chief  says  well,"  returned  the  governor; 
"  but  will  the  pale  friend  of  the  Ottawa  come  also  to 
take  his  seat  in  the  council  hall  ?  The  great  cliief  has 
said  the  pale  warrior  has  become  the  second  chief  amon^ 
the  Ottawas  ;  and  that  when  he  is  dead,  the  pale  warrior 
will  lead  the  Ottawas,  and  take  the  first  seat  in  tlie  couii. 
cil.  He,  too,  should  smoke  the  pipe  of  peace  with  the 
SagUnaw,  that  they  may  know  he  is  no  longer  tlieir 
enemy." 

The  Indian  hesitated,  uttering  merely  his  quick  ojacu. 
latory  "Ugh  !"  in  expression  of  his  surprise  at  so  uncx- 
pected  a  requisition.  "  The  pale  warrior,  the  friend  of 
the  Ottawa,  is  very  sick,"  he  at  length  said ;  "  but  if 
the  Great  Spirit  should  give  him  back  his  voice  before 
the  chiefs  come  again  to  the  council,  the  pale  face  will 
come  too.  If  my  father  does  not  see  him  then,  he  will 
know  the  friend  of  the  Ottawa  chief  is  very  sick." 

The  governor  deemed  it  prudent  not  to  press  the  ques- 
tion too  closely,  lest  in  so  doing  he  should  excite  suspicion, 
and  defeat  his  own  object.  "  When  will  the  Ottawa  and 
the  other  chiefs  come  again  ?"  he  asked ;  "  and  when 
will  their  warriors  play  at  ball  upon  the  common,  that 
the  Saganaw  may  sec  them  and  be  amused  ?"  "  When 
the  sun  has  travelled  so  many  times,"  replied  Ponleac, 
holding  up  thr«e  fingers  of  his  left  hand.    "  Then  wiO 


WACOUSTA. 


205 


the  Ottawa  and  tlic  other  chiefs  bring  their  young  war- 
riors and  their  women."  •  : 
"It is  too  soon,"  was  tlie  reply; "  the  Saganaw  must  have 
lime  to  collect  their  presents,  that  they  may  give  them  to 
the  young  warriors  who  are  swiftest  in  the  race,  and  the 
most  active  at  the  ball.  The  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas, 
too,  must  let  the  settlers  of  the  pale  flag,  who  are  the 
friends  of  the  red  skins,  bring  in  food  for  the  Saganaw, 
thit  a  f,^rcat  feast  may  be  given  to  the  chiefs,  and  to  the 
warriors,  and  that  the  Saganaw  may  make  peace  with 
the  Ottawas  and  the  other  nations  as  becomes  a  great 
jKoplc.  In  twice  so  many  days,"  holding  up  three  of  his 
fiiifjcrs  in  imitation  of  the  Indian,  "  tlie  Saganaw  will  be 
ready  to  receive  the  chiefs  in  council,  that  they  may 
smoke  the  pipe  of  peace,  and  bury  the  hatchet  for  ever 
What  says  the  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas  ?" 

"  It  is  good,"  was  the  reply  of  the  Indian,  his  eye 
lijrhting  up  with  deep  and  exulting  expression.  "  The 
settlers  of  the  pale  flag  shall  bring  food  to  the  Saganaw. 
The  Ottawa  chief  will  send  them,  and  he  will  desire  his 
young  men  not  to  prevent  them.  In  so  many  days, 
then,"  indicating  with  his  fingers,  "  the  great  chiefs 
will  sit  again  in  council  with  the  Saganaw,  and  the  Otta- 
wa chief  will  not  be  a  fool  to  bring  the  pipe  he  does  not 
want." 

With  this  asurance  the  conference  terminated.  Pon- 
tile raised  liis  tall  frame  from  the  mat  on  which  he  had 
I'wii  squatted,  nodded  condescendingly  to  the  governor, 
and  strode  haughtily  into  the  square  or  area  of  the  fort. 
The  other  chiefs  followed  his  example ;  and  to  Major 
P.kickwatcr  was  again  assigned  the  duty  of  accompany- 
ing tlicni  without  the  works.  The  glance  of  tlie  savages, 
md  that  of  Ponlcac  in  particular,  was  less  wary  tlian  at 

VOL.  I 18 


'■/•>•  ■■'v, 


,    ii-vVy-t  •:;•.■    -  ■■<■■■■.€.     , 


.Jii  it* 


y  -..^ 


I  f 


;■   f 


i 

ff£^i^iMgv> 

ic'  c*-'; 

i^^^^^^^K' 

■'    ■   .'  » 

^^^'.:': 

i^^^^^^^^B&^ 

:^P^ 

'^fl^^^^^^^^V  .f/ 

•^^^^^^^^^■->  i^ 

\r  ;  "T' 

■  ',  '     '■' .' 

r 

'■■'■W 

Si'**'-  « 


y'   1- 


W  '-'•■ 

M'  '  • --'fe^l 

'•••  •  l' 

l^at,.  '  .    '    .'    ."■^W'  v'^  .;  ^j  '  j 

X'     ■ 

P:,^;>::-||^P 

^,'''    -^^^l^* 

u/'^v,:;-i.'|vf. 

'".'  •*.;:•■■';•'''*' Ip'!: 

..,./  ,.• '  )'^m 

;  ti'  * ..  iti/M'^mi 

'  •  •  J 

. '  ' '   'A''  '«'i ^^I^hh^H 

206 


WACOUSTA. 


■t^ 


•;  m 


their  entrance.    Each  seemed  to  embrace  every  object 
on  which  the  eye  could  rest,  as  if  to  fix  its  position  inde- 
libly in  his  memory.    The  young  chief,  who  had  been 
so  suddenly  and  opportunely  checked  while  in  the  very 
act  of  pealing  forth  his  terrible  war  whoop,  again  looked 
up  at  the  windows  of  the  block-house,  in  quest  of  those 
whom  his  savage  instinct  had  already  devoted  in  intcn. 
tion  to  his  tomahawk,  but  they  were  no  longer  there. 
Such  was  the  silence  thai  reigned  every  where,  the  fort 
appeared  to  be  tenanted  only  by  the  few  men  of  tlie 
guard,    who  lingered  near   their    stations,    attentively 
watching  the  Indians,  as  they  passed  towards  the  gate. 
A  very  few  minutes  sufficed  to  bring  the  latter  once 
more  in  the  midst  of  their  warriors,  whom,  for  a  few 
moments,  they  harangued   earnestly,  when  tlie  whole 
body  again  moved  off  in  the  direction  of  tlieir  encamp- 
ment. 


(i  '-'■    >' 


■s^^:m^ 


WACOUSTA. 


207 


CHAPTER  XV. 


The  week  that  intervened  between  the  visit  of  the 
cliiefs  and  the  day  appointed  for  their  second  meeting  in 
council,  was  passed  by  the  garrison  in  perfect  freedom 
from  alarm,  although,  as  usual,  in  diligent  watchfulness 
and  preparations  for  casualties.  In  conformity  with  his 
promise,  the  Indian  had  despatched  many  of  the  Cana- 
dian settlers,  with  such  provisions  as  the  country  then 
afforded,  to  the  governor,  and  tliese,  happy  to  obtain  the 
gold  of  tlie  troops  in  return  for  what  they  could  conveniently 
spare,  were  not  slow  in  availing  themselves  of  the  per- 
mission. Dried  bear's  meat,  venison,  and  Indian  corn, 
composed  the  substance  of  these  supplies,  which  were  in 
sufficient  abundance  to  produce  a  six  weeks'  increase  to 
the  stock  of  the  garrison.  Hitherto  they  had  been  sub- 
sisting, in  a  great  degree,  upon  salt  provisions  ;  the  food 
furtively  supplied  by  the  Canadians  being  necessarily, 
from  tlicir  dread  of  detection,  on  so  limited  a  scale,  that 
a  very  small  portion  of  the  troops  had  been  enabled  to 
profit  by  it.  This,  therefore,  was  an  important  and  un- 
e.\i)cctcd  benefit,  derived  from  the  falling  in  of  the  garri- 
son with  the  professed  views  of  the  savages ;  and  one 
which,  perhaps,  few  officers  would,  like  Colonel  de  Hal- 
dimar,  have  possessed  tlie  forethought  to  have  secured. 
But  although  it  served  to  relieve  the  animal  wants  of  the 


':  '■''  i!^•;Ji^^»\t£ffi^.t|"^!.^' 
.'  •  ■   i-Vn'^'.i^v   4'   ''I 
.-    .    '•:'■    '.  •r.^■Wt.■**•i^- 


':     »i' 


ifl 


l^il 


208 


WACOUSTA. 


man,  there  was  little  to  remove  his  moral  inquietude. 
Discouraged  by  the  sanguinary  cliaracter  of  the  warfare 
in  which  they  seemed  doomed  to  be  for  ever  engaged,  and 
harassed  by  constant  watchings, — seldom  taking  off  their 
clothes  for  weeks  together, — the  men  had  gradually  been 
losing  their  energy  of  spirit,  in  the  contemplation  of  tlic 
almost  irremediable  evils  by  which  they  were  beset ;  and 
looked  forward  with  sad  and  disheartening  conviction  !o 
a  fate,  that  all  things  tended  to  prove  to  them  was  una- 
voidable,  however  the  period  of  its  consummation  miirlit 
be  protracted.  Among  the  officers,  this  dejection,  a!. 
though  proceeding  from  a  different  cause,  was  no  less 
prevalent ;  and  notwithstanding  they  sought  to  disguise 
it  before  their  men,  when  left  to  themselves,  they  gave 
unlimited  rein  to  a  despondency  hourly  acquiring 
strength,  as  the  day  fixed  on  for  the  second  council  witli 
the  Indians  drew  near. 

At  length  came  that  terrible  and  eventful  day,  and,  as 
if  in  mockery  of  those  who  saw  beauty  in  its  golden 
beams,  arrayed  in  all  the  gorgeous  softness  of  its  au- 
tumnal glory.  Sad  and  heavy  were  the  hearts  of  many 
within  that  far  distant  and  isolated  fort,  as  they  rose,  at 
the  first  glimmering  of  light  above  the  horizon,  to  pre- 
pare for  the  several  duties  assigned  them.  Allfclt  tlic 
influence  of  a  feeling  that  laid  prostrate  the  moral  ener- 
gies even  of  the  boldest :  but  there  was  one  young  offi- 
cer in  particular,  who  exhibited  a  dejection,  degenerating 
almost  into  stupefaction  ;  and  more  than  once,  when  lie 
received  an  order  from  his  superior,  hesitated  as  one  who 
either  heard  not,  or,  in  attempting  to  perform  it,  mistook 
the  purport  of  his  instructions,  and  executed  some  en- 
tirely different  duty.  The  countenance  of  this  officer, 
whose  attenuated  person  otherwise  bore  traces  of  laii- 


WACOUSTA. 


209 


jTuor  and  debility,  but  too  plainly  marked  the  abstracted- 
ness and  terror  of  his  mind,  while  the  set  stiff  features 
and  contracted  muscles  of  the  face  contributed  to  give  an 
expression  of  vacuity,  that  one  who  knew  him  not  might 
liave  interpreted  unfavourably.  Several  times,  during 
the  inspection  of  his  company  at  the  early  parade,  ho 
was  seen  to  raise  his  head,  and  throw  forward  his  ear,  as 
if  expecting  to  catch  the  echo  of  some  horrible  and  ap- 
jialling  cry,  until  the  men  themselves  remarked,  and 
coninientcd,  by  interchange  of  looks,  on  the  singular 
conduct  of  their  officer,  whose  thoughts  had  evidently 
no  connection  with  the  duty  he  was  performing,  or  the 
spot  on  which  he  stood. 

When  this  customary  inspection  had   been  accom- 
plished,—how  imperfectly,  has  been  seen,— and  the  men 
dismissed  from  their  ranks,  the  same  young  officer  was 
observed,  by  one  who  followed  his  every  movement  with 
interest,  to  ascend  that  part  of  the  rampart  which  com- 
manded an  unbroken  view  of  the  country  westward, 
from  the  point  where  the  encampment  of  the  Indians 
was  supposed  to  lie,  down  to  the  bridge  on  which  the 
terrible  tragedy  of  Halloway's  death  had  been  so  re- 
cently  enacted.    Unconscious  of  the   presence  of  two 
sentinels,  who  moved  to  and  fro  near  their  respective 
posts,  on  either  side  of  him,  the  young  officer  folded  his 
arms,  and  gazed  in  that  direction  for  some  minutes,  with 
his  whole  soul  riveted  on  the  scene.    Then,  as  if  over- 
come by  recollections  called  up  by  that  on  which  he 
jrazcd,  he  covered  his  eyes  hurriedly  with  his  hands,  and 
Ixtrayed,  by  the  convulsed  movement  of  his  slender  form, 
iic  was  weeping  bitterly.    This  paroxysm  past,  he  unco- 
vered liis  face,  sank  with  one  knee  upon  the  ground,  and 
upraising  his  clasped  hands,  as  if  in  appeal  to  his  God, 

18* 


■I-  •      .  ■■•■  .  '*•  -Vs/   .■■,! 


.'    ••:•  V  .  '\:»\^:- 

■    '  ■  ■  ■          *      .    ' ' 

i^-       * 

:                   1       !     i"    .■»■• 

.        '       ■   .  .'    ^          \  ■ 

.1                                               4      V        ■       *                       ■'    ■•• 

:''.■"    '    ■    'V'->;     * 

1  •     '       ':  ••!  ",y  ■  .  ■■■■ 

•. ' 

-  .     '         ■        ',       '  ' 

*           ..."',•."  1 

.  /    '.•-*• 

1                           .  1    -  .*'.   ,   1.     .. 

,     ■    ■     .'  •  '  i?,  (C, 

I 

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•■    ■     y-:^.-'^ 

..'    '■    '  ^^  '5'y 

■' 

^r:     7.;      =,.:■•■*  A     ■ 

■..■-  '•'*   v     ■    -    >   .1^.  ■'^-  . 

-  ..    '■  rm  ^-^ 

"*, 

.           ■        V-i     <•»'     '     ^■'*       ^^ 

'  ■  ■    ^:  ■■■I  ■■-    ■ 

'/■■■- ■*■,■■.■.' 

,'          ■ "      '»■  "•     .    '  ; 

'  '  ■   '  . 

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H 

BBS3v 

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] 

..;:  '>:>i|^ 

■  !•       « 

i    '-                        ^  '    '    ''"^^^'■^'^1'"  J^Effl 

""            '*        i>1'.ii"'*^"-^SKiIr 

1 
1- 

''         ""'■■*■          ' -1^*  ^^-'j^^^^- 

'                 "        ■  '    *; '1'  **"^TW '1i 

....     ;'  ^t^'  'S:^^/ 

■    ^''  '.^'lii.'ilBSHrl^^H 

i 


i!^  M^ 


ma.:'  .i- 


fm'} 


,1   i.:J.'firJ^iA4i.i'  ^^HWr-'S.       i     ■ 


'Mi, 


Ifei 


Li"'''*'!' 


210 


WACOUSTA. 


seemed  to  pray  deeply  and  fervently.  In  this  attitude 
he  continued  for  some  moments,  when  he  became  Konsi. 
blc  of  the  approach  of  an  intruder.  He  raised  iiimsclf 
from  liis  knee,  turned,  and  beheld  one  whose  countc. 
nance  was  stamped  with  a  dejection  scarcely  inferior  to 
his  own.     It  was  Captain  Blessington. 

"  Charles,  my  dear  Charles !"  exclaimed  the  lattor 
hurriedly,  as  he  laid  his  hand  upon  the  shoulder  of  tlic 
emaciated  Dc  Haldimar,  "  consider  you  are  not  alone. 
For  God's  sake,  check  this  weakness  !  Tliere  arc  men 
observing  you  on  every  side,  and  your  strange  manner 
has  already  been  the  subject  of  remark  in  the  com- 
pany." 

"  When  the  heart  is  sick,  like  mine,"  replied  tlic 
youth,  in  a  tone  of  fearful  despondency,  "  it  is  alike 
reckless  of  forms,  and  careless  of  appearances.  I  trust, 
however,"  and  here  spoke  the  soldier,  "  there  p.rc  few 
within  this  fort  who  will  believe  me  less  courageous,  be- 
cause  I  iiave  been  seen  to  bend  my  knee  in  supplication 
to  my  God.  I  did  not  think  that  you^  Blessington, 
would  have  been  the  first  to  condemn  the  act." 

"  I  condemn  it,  Charles !  you  mistake  me,  indeed  you 
do,"  feelingly  returned  his  captain,  secretly  pained  at 
the  mild  reproach  contained  in  the  concluding  sentence ; 
"  but  there  are  two  things  to  be  considered.  In  the  first 
instance,  the  men,  who  are  yet  in  ignorance  of  the  great 
evils  with  which  we  are  threatened,  may  mistake  tlie 
cause  of  your,  agitation ;  you  were  in  tears  just  now, 
Charles,  and  the  sentinels  must  have  remarked  it  as  wtll 
as  myself.  I  would  not  have  them  to  believe  that  one  ot 
their  officers  was  affected  by  the  anticipation  of  coming 
disaster,  in  a  way  their  own  hearts  are  incapable  of  esti. 
mating.    You  understand  me,  Charles  '^    I  would  not 


h}S 


•~^~ 


WACOUSTA. 


211 


have  them  too  much  disroiiraged  by  an  example  that 
may  become  infectious." 

"  I  do  understand  you,  Blcssington,"  and  a  forced  and 
sickly  smile  played  for  a   moment  over  the   wan  yet 
handsome  features  of  the  young  officer ;  "  you  would  not 
liave  me  appear  a  weeping  coward  in  their  eyes." 
"  Nay,  dear  Charles,  I  did  not  say  it." 
"  But  you  meant  it,  Blcssington  ;  yet,  think  not," — 
and  he  warmly  pressed  the  hand  of  his  captain, — "  think 
not,  I  repeat,  I  take  your  hint  in  any  other  than  the 
friendly  light  in  which  it  was  intended.    That  I  have 
been  no  coward,  however,  I  hope  I  have  given  proof 
more  than  once  before  the  men,  most  of  whom  have 
known  me  from  my  very  cradle ;  yet,  whatever  they  may 
tiiink,  is  to  me,  at  this  moment,  a  matter  of  utter  indif. 
ference.    Blcssington,"  and  again  the  tears  rolled  from 
his  fixed  eyes  over  his  cheek,  while  he  pointed  with  his 
finger  to  the  western  horizon,  "  I  have  neither  thought 
nor  feeling  for  myself;  my  whole  heart  lies  buried  there. 
Oh,  God  of  Heaven !"  he  pursued,  after  a  pause,  and 
again  raising  his  eyes  in  supplication,  "  avert  the  dread- 
fiil  destiny  that  awaits  my  beloved  sister." 

"  Charles,  Charles,  if  only  for  that  sister's  sake,  then, 
calm  an  agitation  which,  if  thus  indulged  in,  will  as- 
suredly destroy  you.  All  will  yet  be  well.  The  delay 
obtained  by  your  father  has  been  sufficient  for  the  pur- 
pose proposed.  Let  us  hope  for  the  best :  if  we  are  de- 
ceived in  our  expectation,  it  will  then  be  time  enough  to 
indulge  in  a  grief,  which  could  scarcely  be  exceeded, 
were  the  fearful  misgivings  of  your  mind  to  be  realised 
before  your  eyes." 

"Blcssington,"  returned  the  young  officer, — and  his 
features  exhibited  the  liveliest  image  of  despair, — "  all 


-X:A: 


v*;  ...M  ,■' 


,/  ft.' 


f-^- 


'.»,  j^' 


►>,v 


ft 


..r-'5* 


^'*\  ■., 


»; 


■  '♦•■■' 


f   * 


'     ■     .' 


■>* 


^•^M 


•  ■■.,i^m 


y-w^ 


111    <*'  ,. 


WW      ' 


212 


WACOUSTA. 


hope  has  longf  since  been  extinct  within  my  breast.    Sor 
you  yon  theatre  of  death ''"  he  mournfully  pursued,  point 
in^  to  the  fatal  bridge,  which  was  thrown  into  full  rolitf 
against  the  placid  bosom  of  the  Detroit :  "  recollect  you 
the  scene  tliat  was  acted  on  it?     As  for  me,  it  is  ever 
present  to  my  mind, — it  haunts  me  in  my  thoughts  l)y 
day,  and  in  my  dreams  by  night.     I  shall  never  forget  it 
while  memory  is  left  to  curse  me  with  the  power  of  n . 
trospection.     On  the  very  spot  on  which   I  now  staml 
was  I  borne  in  a  chair,  to  witness  the  dreadful  punisli- 
mcnt;  you  sec  the  stone  at  my  feet,  I  marked  it  by  that. 
I  saw  you  conduct  Halloway  to  the  centre  of  tlie  bridpt'; 
I  beheld  him  kneel  to  receive  his  death  ;  I  saw,  too,  the 
terrible  race  for  life,  that  interrupted  the  procccdinju^s ;  I 
marked  the  sudden  up-spring  of  Halloway  to  his  feet 
upon  the  coffin,  and  the  exulting  waving  of  his  hand,  as 
he  seemed  to  recognise  the  rivals  for  mastery  in  that  race. 
Then  was  heard  the  fatal  volley,  and  I  saw  the  death- 
struggle  of  him  who  had  saved  my  brother's  life.   I  could 
have  died,  too,  at  that  moment;  and  would  to  Providence 
I  had  !  bnt  it  was  otherwise  decreed.    My  aching  interest 
was,  for  a  moment,  diverted  by  the  fearful  chase  now 
renewed  upon  the  height ;  and,  in  common  with  tliosc 
around  me,  I  watched  the  efforts  of  the  pursuer  and 
the  pursued  with  painful  earnestness  and  doubt  as  to 
the  final  result.     Ah,  Blessington,  why  was  not  this 
all?    The  terrible  shriek,  uttered  at  the  moment  when 
the  fugitive  fell,  apparently  dead,  at  the  feet  of  t)ic  firinjj 
party,  reached  us  even  here.     I  felt  as  if  my  heart  must 
have  burst,  for  I  knew  it  to  be  the  shriek  of  poor  ElKii 
Halloway, — the  sulTering  wife, — the  broken-hearted  wo- 
man who  had  so  recently  in  all  the  wild  abandonment  ot 
her  grief,  wetted  my  pillow,  and  even  my  check,  willi  licr 


WACOUSTA. 


213 


burning  tears,  while  supplicating-  an  intercession  with  my 
father  for  mercy,  which  I  knew  it  would  be  utterly  fruit- 
less to  promise.  The  discovery  of  her  exchange  of  clothes 
witli  one  of  the  drum  boys  of  the  grenadiers  was  made 
soon  after  you  left  the  fort.  I  saw  her  leap  upon  the 
coffin,  and,  standing  over  the  body  of  her  unhappy  bus- 
band,  raise  her  hands  to  heaven  in  adjuration,  and  my 
heart  died  within  me.  I  recollected  the  words  she  had 
spoken  on  a  previous  occasion,  during  the  first  examina- 
tion of  Halloway,  and  I  felt  it  to  be  the  prophetic  denun- 
ciation,  tlicn  threatened,  that  she  was  now  uttering  on 
all  tiic  race  of  De  Haldimar.  I  saw  no  more,  Blessing- 
ton.  Sick,  dizzy,  and  with  every  faculty  of  my  mind 
annihilated,  I  turned  away  from  the  horrid  scene,  and 
was  again  borne  to  my  room." 

Captain  Blessington  was  deeply  affected ;  for  there  was 
a  solemnity  in  the  voice  of  the  young  officer  that  carried 
conviction  to  the  heart. 

The  attention  of  both  was  diverted  by  the  report  of  a 
musket  from  the  rear  of  the  fort  Presently  afterwards, 
the  word  was  passed  along  the  chain  of  sentinels  upon 
the  ramparts,  that  the  Indians  were  issuing  in  force  from 
the  forest  upon  the  common  near  tlie  bomb-proof.  Then 
was  heard,  as  the  sentinel  at  the  gate  delivered  the  pass- 
word, tiic  heavy  roll  of  the  drum  sunmionlng  to  arms. 

"  Ila !  here  already !"  said  Captain  Blessington,  as, 
irlnncing  towards  the  forest,  he  beheld  the  skirt  of  the 
wood  now  alive  witii  dusky  human  forms:  "Ponteac's 
visit  is  earlier  than  we  had  been  taught  to  expect ;  bit 
we  arc  as  well  prepared  to  receive  him  now,  as  later ; 
;uid,  in  fact,  the  sooner  the  interview  is  terminated,  the 
sooner  wc  shall  know  what  we  have  to  dej>en(l  upon. 
^"oinc,  Charles,  we  umst  join  tlic  company,  and  let  ino 


■■•*.:■./  ■..••:..v;.[ 

•    ■.'.       .,•',  ■■■•  i  >l 


■A 


» .  *« 


♦  # 


i'') 


h 


1     «<<r^  t'£'i^ 


214 


WACOUSTA. 


entreat  you  to  evince  less  despondency  before  the  men. 
It  is  hard,  I  know,  to  sustain  an  artificial  character  under 
such  disheartening  circumstances;  still,  for  example's 
sake,  it  must  be  done." 

"What  I  can  I  will  do,  Blessington,"  rejoined  the 
youth,  as  they  both  moved  from  the  ramparts ;  "  but  the 
task  is,  in  truth,  one  to  which  I  find  myself  wholly  une. 
qual.  How  do  I  know  that,  even  at  this  moment,  my 
defenceless,  terrified,  and  innocent  sister  may  not  be  in. 
Yoking  the  name  and  arm  of  her  brother  to  save  her  from 
destruction." 

"  Trust  in  Providence,  Charles.  Even  although  our 
worst  apprehensions  be  realised,  as  I  fervently  trust  they 
will  not,  your  sister  may  be  spared.  The  Canac  ian  could 
not  have  been  unfaithful,  or  wc  should  have  learnt  some- 
thing of  his  treachery  from  the  Indians.  Another  week 
will  confirm  us  in  the  truth  or  fallacy  of  our  impressions. 
Until  then,  let  us  arm  our  hearts  with  hope.  Trust  me, 
we  shall  yet  see  the  laughing  eyes  of  Clara  fill  with  tears 
of  affection,  as  I  recount  to  her  all  her  too  sensitive  and 
too  desponding  brother  has  suffered  for  her  sake." 

De  Haldimar  made  no  reply.  He  deeply  felt  the  kind 
intention  of  his  captain,  but  was  far  from  chcrisliiiig  tin 
liope  that  had  been  recommended.  He  sigiiod  heavily, 
pressed  tlie  arm,  on  wliich  he  leaned,  in  gratitude-  for  iIm 
motive,  and  moved  silently  with  his  friend  to  join  llnir 
company  below  the  rampart. 


WACOUSTA. 


213 


CHAPTER  XVI. 


Meanwhile  tlic  white  ihig  had  again  hcen  raised  hy  tlic 
hidians  upon  the  bomb-proof;  and  this  having  been 
readily  met  by  a  corresponding  signal  from  the  fort,  a 
numerous  band  of  savages  now  issued  from  the  cover 
with  wliich  their  dark  forms  had  hitherto  been  identified, 
and  spread  themselves  far  and  near  upon  the  common. 
On  this  occasion  they  were  without  arms,  offensive  or 
defensive,  of  any  kind,  if  we  may  except  the  knife  which 
was  always  carried  at  the  girdle,  and  which  constituted 
a  part  rather  of  their  necessary  dress  than  of  their  war- 
like equipment.  These  warriors  might  have  been  about 
five  liundrcd  in  number,  and  were  composed  chiefly  of 
|)icked  men  from  the  nations  of  the  Ottawas,  the  Dela- 
wares,  and  the  Shawances ;  each  race  being  distinctly  re- 
cognisable from  the  others  by  certain  peculiarities  of  form 
and  feature  which  individualised,  if  we  may  so  term  it, 
the  several  tribes.  Their  only  covering  was  the  legging 
tx'foro  described,  composed  in  some  instances  of  cloth,  but 
l)rincii)ally  of  smoked  deerskin,  and  the  flap  that  passed 
through  the  girdle  around  the  loins,  by  which  the  straps 
attached  to  the  leggings  were  secured.  Their  bodies, 
nicks,  and  arms  were,  with  the  exception  of  a  few  slight 
ornaments,  entirely  naked ;  and  even  the  blanket,  that 
served  tlicm  as  a  couch  by  night  and  a  covering  by  day. 


*+• 


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216 


WACOUSTA. 


'■  '  I  '.'V.w'i  ft-  "a    .'  •     OTi.i^  ■■"■      •  !■  ■  ' 


If;!. 


}y.:<'lS'i", 


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had,  with  one  single  exception,  been  dispensed  with,  ap. 
parently  with  a  view  to  avoid  any  thing  like  encumbrance 
in  their  approaching  sJ)ort.     Each  individual  was  provid. 
ed  with  a  stout  sapling  of  about  three  feet  in  leng'tli, 
curved,  and  flattened  at  the  root  extremity,  like  that  used 
at  the  Irish  hurdle ;  which  game,  in  fact,  the  manner  of 
ball-playing  among  the  Indians  in  every  way  resembled. 
Interspersed  among  these  warriors  were  a  nearly  equal 
number  of  squaws.    These  were   to  be  seen  lounging 
carelessly  about  in  small  groups,  and  were  of  all  ages; 
from  the  hoary-headed,  shrivellcd-up  hag,  whose  eyes  siill 
sparkled  with  a  fire  that  her  lank  and  attenuated  frame 
denied,  to  the  young  girl  of  twelve,  whose  dark  and  glow- 
ing  cheek,  rounded  bust,  and  penetrating  glance,  bore 
striking  evidence  of  the  precociousness  of  Indian  beauty. 
These  latter  looked  with  evident  interest  on  the  sports  of 
the  younger  warriors,  who,  throwing  down  their  hurdles, 
either  vied  with  each  other  in  the  short  but  incredibly 
swifl  foot-race,  or  indulged  themselves  in  wrestling  and 
leaping ;  while  their  companions,  abandoned  to  the  full 
security  they  felt  to  be  attached  to  the  white  flag  wavin? 
on  the  fort,  lay  at  their  lazy  length  upon  the  sward,  os. 
tensibly  following  the  movements  of  the  several  compcti- 
tors  in  these  sports,  but  in  reality  with  heart  and  eye 
directed  solely  to  the  fortification  that  lay  beyond.  Each  of 
these  females,  in  addition  to  the  machccoti,  or  petticoat, 
which  in  one   solid    square  of  broad-clotli  was  tightly 
wrapped  around  the  loins,  also  carried  a  blanket  loosely 
thrown  around  the  person,  but  closely  confined  over  the 
shoulders  in  front,  and  reaching  below  the  knee.    Tiiere 
was  an  air  of  constraint  in  their  movements,  which  ac'- 
corded  ill  with  the  occasion  of  festivity  for  wliich  they 
were  assembled ;  and  it  was  remarkable,  whether  it  arose 


WACOUSTA. 


217 


from  deference  to  those  to  whom  they  were  slaves  as 
well  as  wives  and  daughters,  or  from  whatever  other 
cause  It  might  be,  none  of  them  ventured  to  recline  them 
selves  upon  the  sward  in  imitation  of  the  warriors 

Wlicn  it  had  been  made  known  to  tlie  governor  that 
the  Indians  had  begun  to  develope  themselves  in  force 
upon  tlie  common  unarmed,  yet  redolent  with  the  spirit 
that  was  to  direct  their  meditated  sports,  the  soldiers 
were  dismissed  from  their  respective  companies  to  the 
ramparts;  where  they  were  now  to  be  seen,  not  drawn 
up  in  formidable  and  hostile  array,  but  collected  together 
m  careless  groups,  and  simply  in  their  side-arms.    This 
reciprocation  of  confidence  on  the  part  of  the  garrison 
was  aclmowledged  by  the  Indians  by  marks  of  approba- 
tion,  expressed  as  much  by  the  sudden  and  classic  dispo- 
silion  of  their  fine  forms  into  attitudes  strikingly  iHuI 
trative  of  their  admiration  and  pleasure,  as  by  the  inter- 
jcctional  sounds  that  passed  from  one  to  the  other  of  the 
tlirong.    From  the  increased  alacrity  with  which  they 
now  lent  themselves  to  the  prep,  atory   and   inferior 
amusements  of  the  day,  it  was  evident  their  satisfacUon 
was  complete. 

Hitherto  the  principal  chiefs  had,  as  on  the  previous 
occ»,on  occupied  the  bomb-proof;  and  now,  as  then,  they 
■PPoarcd  to  be  deliberating  among  themselves,  but  J. 
»t  y  m  a  more  energetic  and  serious  manner.  At 
tn?  I.  thoy  separated,  when  Ponteac,  accompanied  by  the 
*c6  who  had  attended  him  on  the  former  day,  once 
-oHmthedireetionofthcfort.  The  moment  ^fhis 
>-"i«  was  the  signal  for  the  commencement  of  the  prin- 
"Pl  S»me.  In  an  instant  those  of  tlio  warriors  who  lay  re- 

'"'*;"  ">»  "'""'^  "P™njr  to  their  feet,  while  the  wres. 
l™  -  racersresumed  their  hurdles,«„d  prepared  them- 


17 


>--^^' 


''■^ 

';'li'^ 

^^ 

•t 

'■  ■    I  ". 

'•  \ 

t     ).. 


»  •,  .  :   , 


0     ■.: 


* 


,'  :.^ 


imiif 


I's 


•I 


>{| 


»)Pi 


lil     f 


|i  :■■  '•. 


ifi^ 


'rr-m 


in^. 


m 


12*. 


218 


WACOUSTA. 


selves  for  the  trial  of  mingled  skill  and  swiftness.  At 
first  they  formed  a  dense  group  in  the  centre  of  the  com. 
mon ;  and  then,  diverging  in  two  equal  files  both  to  the 
right  and  to  the  left  of  the  immediate  centre,  where  tlic 
large  ball  was  placed,  formed  an  open  chain,  extending 
from  the  skirt  of  the  forest  to  the  commencement  of  tlie 
village.  On  the  one  side  were  ranged  the  Delawarcs  and 
the  Sliawanees,  and  on  the  other  the  more  numerous  na- 
tion  of  the  Ottawas.  The  women  of  these  several  tribes, 
apparently  much  interested  in  the  issue  of  an  amusement 
in  which  the  manliness  and  activity  of  their  respective 
friends  were  staked,  had  gradually  and  imperceptibly 
gained  the  front  of  the  fort,  where  they  were  now  iiud. 
died  in  groups,  at  about  twenty  paces  from  the  draw. 
bridge,  and  bending  eagerly  forward  to  command  tiie 
movements  of  the  ball-players. 

In  his  circuit  round  the  walls,  Ponteac  was  seen  to  re- 
mark  the  confiding  appearance  of  the  unarmed  soldiery 
with  a  satisfaction  that  was  not  sought  to  be  disguised  ; 
and  from  the  manner  in  which  he  threw  his  glance  along 
each  face  of  the  rampart,  it  was  evident  his  object  was 
to  embrace  the  numerical  strength  collected  there.  It 
was  moreover  observed,  when  he  passed  the  groups  of 
squaws  on  his  way  to  the  gate,  he  addressed  some  words 
in  a  strange  tongue  to  the  elder  matrons  of  eacli. 

Once  more  the  dark  warriors  were  received  at  the  pate, 
by  Major  Blackwater ;  and,  as  with  firm  but  elastic  tread, 
they  moved  across  the  square,  each  threw  his  fierce  eyes 
rapidly  and  anxiously  around,  and  with  l".  ^  of  conceal- 
ment in  his  manner  than  had  been  manitcsted  on  the 
former  occasion.  On  every  hand  the  same  air  of  naked- 
ness and  desertion  met  their  gaze.  Not  even  a  soldier  of 
the  guard  was  to  be  seen ;  and  when  they  cast  their  eye? 


WACOUSTA.  2jg 

upwards  to  the  windows  of  the,  ui    i  i 
found  to  be  tenantlessTs  L  are?,,       T' '''^  ""•= 
passed.    A  gleam  of  fier  e  ." Lf   r^'  "''"''  "^^y 
s>varthy  countenanees  of  the  t„  '   '"'''°"  P<"-™<led  the 

ofPonteao,  in  P^nicnl.rXr^TlLV ''''' '''"'"''^ 
fon.    Instead  of  leadin.  his  n'tv       "  "^''P"^'  «™"''- 
tlie  rear;  and  when  arrived  in  T      ?  """'  ^'""S^*-  "P 
»'i.l.out  an,  visible  eause  fo'h   l"™''^  "'  «'« «■«•  '-• 
fell  to  the  earth.    TkoZ'^^TC"'"'""'"''"""' 
sight  of  their  ordinary  gravity  -.nT  '^',\"™'™«  'o^t 
of  the  circumstance  by  a  „  1^    ^  ""''<^''  "'"'^  «e„se 
.1.0  mingled  charaeL7of?,ltr  ;"""''  ""'"'''"S  <"• 
.^e  cry.  Major  BiaeKwaL  .  tl'^t  ^/f  , «'-««-  at 
certain  the  cause.    At    hat  m  .\f  °"''  '""'^<'  «° 

lijMy  again  to  his  feet  rll  7"'"'  ^°"'^''«  -P^ang 
confederals  by  anotWev^n        "^  '"  ""=  ^^"  »'"'»? 
Honged  than'^^eltr   HeT  ^ !^'  *^'--  -" 
Ik  lead  of  the  partv  ^^rf  '"^'^'^  P'-'-^  to 

water  into  the  eounlCm."""  ''""''^''  ^"J"  »'-"- 

In  this  rude  theatre  of  confc>v.„„„ 
been  made  since  their  reLr^sTlVT'  '"""'^^'  ^ 
«'«vation  of  the  quiol..S  ^1:1:^^::"'"'',-'  "'^ 
H'e  position  they  had  prevLslv  nl.,      T        ™*''  '"^  ''' 
of  the  officers  were  placed  a!trP'' ""''  '^'  •='""'" 
'»^  been  oonsiderabi;      i:;.,"^'""'    "' f  ,'-■" ''-'f 
'".inating  the  interior  extemutof?       ^^'"  P"""°" 
*'Ji"S  it  from  that  of  one  of  h     T  "'"''■"^'"' """ 
«-od;  and  midway     l.ro  ,1         °*""' '"'  '^'^  '«" 
-»-.  >™»  drawn  I  eurt2  „       '  T'™''"*^  ^""'^ 

'"-»'  wasabovctho  e    f  tho„  Lfom""'  "'"""^''  "^ 
'»'»*ong  relief     There   wa,         f"'' '™' ""■""" 

^PednotthcobscrvaUonofH    1""^"'"  "''""f^^'   """ 
ervation  of  the  Indians,  and  that  was 


*'- 


■ 

■•    i 

- '  i-  -J.  -J  m^  j-i 

-■  ■■• 

■r 


»'•  ■'       ■■■■     Vfl'l 


220 


WAOOUSTA. 


(•Jil,' ink  '!'*■, 


m 


h 


not  more  than  one  half  of  the  officers  who  had  been  pre 
sent  at  the  first  conference  being  now  in  the  room.  Of 
these  latter,  one  had,  moreover,  been  sent  away  by  tlic 
governor  the  moment  the  chiefs  were  ushered  in. 

"  Ugh !"  ejaculated  the  proud  leader,  as  he  took  his  seat 
unceremoniously,  and  yet  not  witliout  reluctance,  upon 
the  mat.  "  The  council-room  of  my  father,  is  bigger  than 
when  the  Ottawa  was  here  before,  yet  the  number  of  his 
chiefs  is  not  so  many." 

"  The  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas  knows  that  the  Sa- 
ganaw  has  promised  the  red  skins  a  feast,"  returned  the 
governor.  "  Were  he  to  leave  it  to  his  young  warriors 
to  provide  it,  he  would  not  be  able  to  receive  the  Ottawa 
like  a  great  chief,  and  to  make  peace  with  him  as  he 
could  wish." 

**  My  father  has  a  great  deal  of  cloth,  red,  like  the 
blood  of  a  pale  face,"  pursued  the  Indian,  rather  in  de- 
mand than  in  observation,  as  he  pointed  with  his  finger 
to  the  opposite  end  of  the  room.  "  When  the  Ottawa 
was  here  last,  he  did  not  see  it." 

"The  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas  knows  that  the  great 
father  of  the  Saganaw  has  a  big  heart  to  make  presents 
to  the  red  skins.  The  cloth  the  Ottawa  sees  there  is  suf- 
ficient to  make  leggings  for  the  chiefs  of  all  the  nations." 

Apparently  satisfied  with  this  reply,  the  fierce  Indian 
uttered  one  of  his  strong  guttural  and  assentient  "ughs," 
and  then  commenced  filling  the  pipe  of  peace,  correct  on 
the  present  occasion  in  all  its  ornaments,  which  was 
handed  to  him  by  the  Delaware  chief.  It  was  remarked 
by  the  officers  this  operation  took  up  an  unusually  long: 
portion  of  his  time,  and  that  he  frequently  turned  liis 
ear,  like  a  horse  stirred  by  the  huntsman's  horn,  witli 
quick  and  irrepressible  eagerness  towards  the  door. 


'im^t 


WACOUSTA. 


221 


»  The  pale  warrior,  the  friend  of  the  Ottawa  chief,  is 
not  here,"  said  the  governor,  as  lie  glanced  his  eye  along 
the  semicircle  of  Indians.  "  How  is  this  ?  Is  his  voice 
still  sick,  that  he  cannot  come ;  or  has  the  great  chief 
of  the  Ottawas  forgotten  to  tell  him  ?" 

"  The  voice  of  the  pale  warrior  is  still  sick,  and  he 
cannot  speak,"  replied  the  Indian.  "  The  Ottawa  chief 
is  very  sorry  ;  for  the  tongue  of  his  friend  the  pale  face 
is  full  of  wisdom." 

I  Scarcely  had  the  last  words  escaped  his  lips,  when  a 
wild  shrill  cry  from  without  the  fort  rang  on  the  ears  of 
tlic  assembled  council,  and  caused  a  momentary  commo- 
tion among  the  officers.     It  arose  from  a  single  voice,  and 
that  voice  could  not  be  mistaken  by  any  who  had  heard 
it  once  before.     A  second  or  two,  during  which  the  offi- 
cers and  chiefs  kept  their  eyes  intently  fixed  on  each 
other,  passed  anxiously  away,  and  then  nearer  to  the  gate, 
apparently  on  the  very  drawbridge  itself,  was  pealed  forth 
the  wild  and  deafening  yell  of  a  legion  of  devilish  voices. 
At  that  sound,  the  Ottawa  and  the  other  chiefs  sprang  to 
their  feet,  and  their  own  fierce  cry  responded  to  that  yet 
vibrating  on  the  ears  of  all.     Already  were  their  gleam- 
ing tomahawks  brandished  wildly  over  their  heads,   and 
Ponteac  had  even  bounded  a  pace  forward  to  reach  the 
governor  with  the  deadly  weapon,  when  at  the  sudden 
stamping  of  the  foot  of  the  latter  upon  the  floor,  the 
scarlet  cloth  in  the  rear  was  thrown  aside,  and  twenty 
soldiers,  their  eyes  glancing  along  the  barrels  of  their 
levelled  muskets,  met  the  startled  gaze  of  the  astonished 
Indians. 

An  instant  was  enough  lo  satisfy  the  keen  chief  of  the 
true  state  of  the  case.  The  calm  composed  mien  of  the 
oiRccrs,  not  one  of  whom  had  even  attempted  to  quit  his 

19* 


■!-■;•■   i'    ■■■-.•■     ,-    .«•(■■■-;•  •••ill 


'  \ 


',.   i'.-  if  .    M-         ■•1'    ii- 


M..- 


,:  ->'  :  .^ 


.;.  .•:% 


^t  »■ 


>:7*»- 


«■'■:,      ■ 


^MJ 


M 


rtj  ■  :  ■ ,. 
Hi '-WW  ^  ■■'■'*■■  ,'f  ' 


i'-'l' 


'    'IS    '  '''    . 


Mi'/.Kl'i'l 


[<' 


Si*! 


III  I 


III" 


222 


WACOUSTA. 


seat,  amid  the  din  by  which  his  ears  were  so  alarmingly 
assailed, — the  triumphant,  yet  dignified,  and  even  severe 
expression  of  the  governor's  countenance ;  and,  above  all. 
the  unexpected  presence  of  the  prepared  soldiery,— all 
these  at  once  assured  him  of  the  discovery  of  his  troaciicrv, 
and  the  danger  that  awaited  him.  The  necessity  for  an 
immediate  attempt  to  join  his  warriors  without,  was  now 
obvious  to  the  Ottawa;  and  scarcely  had  he  conceived 
the  idea  before  it  was  sought  to  be  executed.  In  a  sinffjo 
spring  he  gained  the  door  of  the  mess-room,  and,  followed 
eagerly  and  tumultuously  by  the  other  chiefs,  to  whose 
departure  no  opposition  was  offered,  in  the  rext  monienl 
stood  on  the  steps  of  the  piazza  that  ran  along  the  front 
of  the  building  whence  he  had  issued. 

The  surprise  of  the  Indians  on  reaching  this  point  was 
now  too  powerful  to  be  dissembled ;  and,  incapable  either 
of  advancing  or  receding,  they  remained  gazing  on  the 
scene  before  them  with  an  ait  of  mingled  stupefaction, 
rage,  and  alarm.  Scarcely  ten  minutes  had  elapsed  since 
they  had  proudly  strode  through  the  naked  area  of  the 
fort,  and  yet,  even  in  that  short  space  of  time,  its  ap. 
pearance  had  been  entirely  changed.  Not  a  part  was 
there  now  of  the  surrounding  buildings  that  was  not  re- 
dolent with  human  life,  and  hostile  preparation.  Through 
every  window  of  the  officers'  low  rooms,  was  to  be  seen 
the  dark  and  frowning  muzzle  of  a  field-piece,  bearing 
upon  the  gateway ;  and  behind  these  were  artillerymen,  j 
holding  their  lighted  matches,  supported  again  by  files  of 
bayonets,  that  glittered  in  their  rear.  In  the  block- 
houses tlie  same  formidable  array  of  field-pieces  and  iiiu- 
kets  was  visible ;  while  from  the  four  angles  of  the 
square,  as  many  heavy  guns,  that  had  been  artfully 
masked  at  the  entrance  of  the  chiefs,  seemed  ready  to 


iiU! 


i;l'   i 

IH  )    I. 


WACOUSTA. 


223 


sweep  away  every  thing  that  should  come  before  them. 
The  guard-room  near  the  gate  presented  the  same  hostile 
front.  The  doors  of  this,  as  well  as  of  the  other  build- 
ings, had  been  firmly  secured  within ;  but  from  every 
window  affording  cover  to  the  troops,  gleamed  a  line  of 
bayonets  rising  above  the  threatening  field-pieces,  pointed, 
at  a  distance  of  little  more  than  twelve  feet,  directly  upon 
the  gateway.  In  addition  to  his  musket,  each  man  of  the 
(Tuard  moreover  held  a  hand  grenade,  provided  with  a 
short  fuze  that  could  be  ignited  in  a  moment  from  the 
matehes  of  the  gunners,  and  with  immediate  effect.  The 
soldiers  in  the  block-houses  were  similarly  provided. 

Almost  magic  as  was  the  change  thus  suddenly  effect- 
ed in  the  appearance  of  the  garrison,  it  was  not  the  most 
interesting  feature  in  the  exciting  scene.  Choking  up  the 
gateway,  in  which  they  were  completely  wedged,  and 
crowding  the  drawbridge,  a  dense  mass  of  dusky  Indians 
were  to  be  seen  casting  their  fierce  glances  around ;  yet  pa- 
ralysed in  their  movements  by  the  unlooked-for  display  of 
a  resisting  force,  threatening  instant  annihilation  to  those 
who  should  attempt  either  to  advance  or  to  recede.  Never, 
perhaps,  was  astonishment  and  disappointment  more  for- 
cibly depicted  on  the  human  countenance,  than  as  they 
were  now  exhibited  by  these  men,  who  had  already,  in 
hnagination,  secured  to  themselves  an  easy  conquest. 
They  were  the  warriors  who  had  so  recently  been  en- 
gaged in  the  manly  yet  innocent  exercise  of  the  ball ; 
but,  instead  of  the  harmless  hurdle,  each  now  carried  a 
short  gun  in  one  hand  and  a  gleaming  tomahawk  in  the 
other.  After  the  first  general  yelling  heard  in  the  coun- 
cil-room, not  a  sound  was  uttered.  Their  burst  of  rage 
and  triumph  had  evidently  been  checked  by  the  unex- 
pected manner  of  their  reception,  and  they  now  stood 


T^ 


'F  -M  . 


/' ■  'I  H. 


V 


•  ,■  J« 


:H  'H  -^  '  ., 


t 


t  t 


i    i' 


r   <■ 


..*s- 


1 


mvM^''*-'  ■ 


i 

i'w 

?  ii    'J 


mil 


IL'  if 


Dl 


J  (J 


K'^ 


B 


524 


WACOUSTA. 


on  the  spot  on  which  the  furtlicr  advance  of  cacli 
liad  been  arrested,  so  silent  and  motionless,  that,  but  for 
the  rolling  of  their  dark  eyes,  as  they  keenly  measured 
the  insurmountable  barriers  that  were  opposed  to  their 
progress,  they  might  almost  have  been  taken  for  a  wild 
group  of  statuary. 

Conspicuous  at  the  head  of  these  was  he  who  wore  the 
blanket ;  a  tall  warrior,  on  whom  rested  the  startled  eye 
of  every  officer  and  soldier  who  was  so  situated  as  to  he 
hold  him.  His  face  was  painted  black  as  death ;  and  as 
he  stood  under  the  arch  of  the  gateway,  with  his  white 
turbaned  head  towering  far  above  those  of  his  com- 
panions, this  formidable  and  mysterious  enemy  might 
have  been  likened  to  the  spirit  of  darkness  presiding  over 
his  terrible  legions. 

In  order  to  account  for  the  extraordinary  appearance 
of  the  Indians,  armed  in  every  way  for  death,  at  a  mo- 
ment when  neither  gun  nor  tomahawk  was  apparently 
within  miles  of  their  reach,  it  will  be  necessary  to  revert 
to  the  first  entrance  of  the  chiefs  into  the  fort.  TJic  fall 
of  Ponteac  had  been  the  effect  of  design ;  and  the  yell 
pealed  forth  by  him,  on  recovering  his  feet,  as  if  in  taunt- 
ing reply  to  the  laugh  of  his  comrades,  was  in  reality  a 
signal  intended  for  the  guidance  of  the  Indians  without. 
These,  now  following  up  their  game  with  increasing 
spirit,  at  once  changed  the  direction  of  their  line,  bring- 
ing the  ball  nearer  to  the  fort.  In  their  eagerness  to 
effect  this  object,  they  had  overlooked  the  gradual  seces- 
sion of  the  unarmed  troops,  spectators  of  their  sport,  from 
the  ramparts,  until  scarcely  more  than  twenty  stragglers 
were  left.  As  they  neared  the  gate,  the  squaws  broke  up 
their  several  groups,  and,  forming  a  line  on  either  hand 
of  the  road  leading  to  the  drawbridge,  appeared  to  sepa- 


•4 


WACOUSTA. 


225 


rate  solely  with  a  view  not  to  impede  the  action  of  the 
players.  For  an  instant  a  dense  group  collected  around 
the  ball,  which  had  been  driven  to  within  a  hundred  yards 
of  the  gate,  and  fifty  hurdles  were  crossed  in  their  en- 
deavours to  secure  it,  when  the  warrior,  w^ho  formed  the 
solitary  exception  to  the  multitude,  in  his  blanket  cover- 
ing, and  who  had  been  lingering  in  the  extreme  rear  of 
the  party,  came  rapidly  up  to  the  spot  where  the  well- 
affectpd  struggle  was  maintained.  At  his  approach,  the 
Imrdles  of  the  other  players  were  withdrawn,  when,  at  a 
gle  blow  from  his  powerful  arm,  the  ball  was  seen 


sin 


flying  into  the  air  in  an  oblique  direction,  and  was  for  a 
moment  lost  altogether  to  the  view.  When  it  again  met 
the  eye,  it  was  descending  perpendicularly  into  the  very 
centre  of  the  fort. 

With  the  fleetness  of  thought  now  commenced  a  race 
that  had  ostensibly  for  its  object  the  recovery  of  the  lost 
ball;  and  in  which,  he  who  had  driven  it  with  such  re- 
sistless force,  outstripped  them  all.  Their  course  lay  be- 
tween the  two  lines  of  squaws;  and  scarcely  had  the 
head  of  the  bounding  Indians  reached  the  opposite  ex- 
tremity  of  those  lines,  when  the  women  suddenly  threw 
back  their  blankets,  and  disclosed  each  a  short  gun  and  a 
tomahawk.  To  throw  away  their  hurdles  and  seize  upon 
these,  was  the  work  of  an  instant.  Already,  in  imagina- 
tion, was  the  fort  their  own ;  and,  such  was  the  peculiar 
exultation  of  the  black  and  turbaned  warrior,  when  he 
felt  the  planks  of  the  drawbridge  bending  beneath  his 
feet,  all  the  ferocious  joy  of  his  s oui  was  pealed  forth  in 
the  terrible  cry  which,  rapidly  succeeded  by  that  of  the 
other  Indians,  had  resounded  so  fearfully  through  the 
council  room.  What  their  disappointment  was,  when,  on 


'  •     V. 


» ,    ).. 


> 


226 


WACOUSTA. 


14''2 


lift'  '.1  }, 

It , 


im^ 


i^'t'' 


"IWT 


gaining  the  interior,  they  found  the  garrison  prepared 
for  their  reception,  lias  already  been  shown. 

"  Secure  that  traitor,  men !"  exclaimed  the  governor 
advancing  into  the  square,  and  pointing  to  the  black  war- 
rior, whose  quick  eye  was  now  glancing  on  every  side,  to 
discover  some  assailable  point  in  the  formidable  defences 
of  the  troops. 

A  laugh  of  scorn  and  derision  escaped  the  lips  of  the 
warrior.  "  Is  there  a  man — are  there  any  ten  men,  even 
with  Governor  de  Haldimar  at  their  head,  who  will  be 
bold  enough  to  attempt  it  ?"  he  asked.  "  Nay  I"  lie  pur. 
sued,  stepping  boldly  a  pace  or  two  in  front  of  the  won- 
dering savages, — "  here  I  stand  siiigly,  and  defy  your 
whole  garrison !" 

A  sudden  movement  among  the  soldiers  in  the  guard. 
room  announced  they  were  preparing  to  execute  the  order 
of  their  chief.  The  eye  of  the  black  warrior  sparkled 
with  ferocious  pleasure ;  and  he  made  a  gesture  to  iiis 
followers,  which  was  replied  to  by  the  sudden  tension  of 
their  hitherto  relaxed  forms  into  attitudes  of  expectance 
and  preparation. 

"  Stay,  men ;  quit  not  your  cover  for  your  lives !"  com- 
manded the  governor,  ia  a  loud  deep  voice : — "  keep  tlie 
barricades  fast,  and  move  not." 

A  cloud  of  anger  and  disappointment  passed  over  tlie 
features  of  the  black  warrior.  It  was  evident  the  ohjccl 
of  his  bravado  was  to  draw  the  troops  from  their  de- 
fences, that  they  might  be  so  mingled  with  their  cnciiiic? 
as  to  render  the  cannon  useless,  unless  friends  and  foes 
(v/hich  was  by  no  means  probable)  should  alike  he  sacri- 
ficed. The  governor  had  penetrated  the  design  in  time 
to  prevent  the  misciiicf. 

In  a  moment  of  uncontrollable  rage,  the  savage  war- 


:^m 


WACOUSTA. 


227 


rior  aimed  his  tomahawk  at  the  head  of  the  governor. 
Tlic  latter  stepped  lightly  aside,  and  the  steel  sank  with 
sucli  force  into  one  of  the  posts  supporting  the  piazza, 
that  the  quivering  handle  snapped  close  off  at  its  head. 
At  that  moment,  a  single  shot,  fired  from  the  guard- 
liousc,  was  drowned  in  the  yell  of  approbation  which 
burst  from  the  lips  of  the  dark  crowd.  The  turban  of 
the  warrior  was,  however,  seen  flying  through  the  air, 
carried  away  by  the  force  of  the  bullet  which  had  torn  it 
from  his  head.    He  himself  was  unharmed. 

"A  narrow  escape  for  us  both.  Colonel  de  Ilaldimar,*' 
he  observed.,  as  soon  as  the  yell  had  subsided,  and  with 
an  air  of  the  most  perfect  unconcern.  "  Had  my  toma- 
liawk  obeyed  the  first  impulse  of  my  heart,  I  should  have 
cursed  myself  and  died :  as  it  is,  I  have  reason  to  avoid 
all  useless  exposure  of  my  own  life,  at  present.  A  second 
bullet  may  be  better  directed ;  and  to  die,  robbed  of  my 
revenge,  would  ill  answer  the  purpose  of  a  life  devoted  to 
its  attainment.    Remember  my  pledge  I" 

At  the  hasty  command  of  the  governor,  a  hundred 
muskets  were  raised  to  the  shoulders  of  his  men ;  but, 
betbre  a  single  eye  could  glance  along  the  barrel,  the  for- 
midable and  active  warrior  had  bounded  over  the  heads 
of  the  nearest  Indians  into  a  small  space  that  was  left 
imoccupicd;  when,  stooping  suddenly  to  the  earth,  he 
(iisai)[)earcd  altogether  from  the  view  of  his  enemies.  A 
i^liirht  movement  in  the  centre  of  tlic  numerous  band 
cro\vdin|r  the  gateway,  and  extending  even  beyond  the 
biidjre,  was  now  discernible  :  it  was  like  the  waving  of  a 
ti'ld  ot'  standing  corn,  through  which  some  animal  ra- 
pidly winds  its  tortuous  course,  bending  aside  as  the  ob- 
ject advances,  and  closing  again  when  it  has  passed. 
:Vller  the  lapse  of  u  minute,  the  terrible  warrior  was  seen 


\  ,• 


■I: 

il'., 


it 


I, 


.1 

I " 
I,. 

I; 

i: 
{ 


••.»■ 


' .   <• 


■«  '. 


^    ,*" 


r  .■ 


V- 


■    hi 


:?j^' 


!  >  ' 


^Mi 


i^^5  ;;«■.:'!', 


li-i-'i?:; 


^•.s:;-i 


;^ 


I 


228 


WACOUSTA. 


to  spring  again  to  his  feet,  far  in  the  rear  of  the  band; 
and  then,  uttering  a  fierce  shout  of  exultation,  to  make 
good  his  retreat  towards  the  forest. 

Meanwhile,  Pontcac  and  the  other  chiefs  of  the  council 
continued  rooted  to  the  piazza  on  which  they  had  rushed 
at  the  unexpected  display  of  the  armed  men  behind  tlic 
scarlet  curtain.  The  loud  "  Waugh"  that  burst  from  tiic 
lips  of  all,  on  finding  themselves  thus  foiled  in  their 
schemes  of  massacre,  had  been  succeeded,  the  instant  af- 
terwards, by  feelings  of  personal  apprehension,  which 
each,  however,  had  collectedness  enough  to  disguise. 
Once  the  Ottawa  made  a  movement  as  if  he  would  have 
cleared  the  space  that  kept  him  from  his  warriors ;  but 
the  emphatical  pointing  of  the  finger  of  Colonel  de  Hal- 
dimar  to  the  levelled  muskets  of  the  men  in  the  block- 
houses  prevented  him,  and  the  attempt  was  not  repeated. 
It  was  remarked  by  the  officers,  who  also  stood  on  the 
piazza,  close  behind  the  chiefs,  when  the  black  warrior 
threw  his  tomahawk  at  the  governor,  a  shade  of  displea- 
sure passed  over  the  features  of  the  Ottawa ;  and  that, 
when  he  found  the  daring  attempt  was  not  retaliated  on 
his  people,  his  countenance  had  been  momentarily  lighted 
up  with  a  satisfied  expression,  apparently  marking  liis 
sense  of  the  forbearance  so  unexpectedly  shown. 

"  What  says  the  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas  now  ?" 
asked  the  governor,  calmly,  and  breaking  a  profound  si- 
lence that  had  succeeded  to  the  last  fierce  yell  of  the 
formidable  being  just  departed.  "  Was  the  Saganaw  not 
right,  when  he  said  the  Ottawa  came  with  guile  in  his 
heart,  and  witli  a  lie  upon  his  lips  ?  But  the  Saganaw 
is  not  a  fool,  and  he  can  read  the  thoughts  of  his  enemies 
U[K)n  their  faces,  and  long  before  their  lips  have  n|M)kcn." 

"  Ugh  I"  t\jaculatcd  the  Indian ;  "  my  father  is  a  great 


VVACOUSTA. 


229 


chief,  and  liis  head  is  full  of  wisdom.  Had  he  been  fee- 
ble like  the  other  chiefs  of  the  Saganaw,  the  strong  hold 
of  the  Detroit  must  have  fallen,  and  the  red  skins  would 
have  danced  their  war  dance  round  the  scalps  of  his 
young  men,  even  in  the  council  room  where  they  came 
to  talk  of  peace." 

"  Does  the  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas  see  the  big  thun- 
der of  the  Saganaw  ?"  pursued  the  governor :  "  if  not, 
let  him  open  his  eyes  and  look.  The  Saganaw  has  but 
to  move  his  lips,  and  swifter  than  the  lightning  would 
ilie  pale  faces  sweep  away  the  warriors  of  the  Ottawa, 
even  where  they  now  stand :  in  less  time  than  the  Saga- 
naw is  now  speaking,  would  they  mow  them  down  like 
llie  grass  of  the  prairie." 

"  Ugh !"  again  exclaimed  the  chief,  with  mixed  dog- 
gcdncss  and  fierceness :  "  if  what  my  father  says  is 
true,  why  does  he  not  pour  out  his  anger  upon  the  red 
skins?" 

"  Let  the  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas  listen,"  replied 
the  governor  with  dignity.  "  When  the  great  chiefs  of 
all  the  nations  that  are  in  league  with  the  Ottawas  came 
last  to  the  council,  the  Saganaw  knew  that  they  carried 
deceit  in  their  hearts,  and  that  tliey  never  meant  to 
siiiokc  the  pipe  of  peace,  or  to  bury  the  hatchet  in  the 
llround.  Tlic  Saganaw  might  have  kept  them  prisoners, 
that  their  warriors  might  be  without  a  head  ;  but  he  Iiad 
[riven  liis  word  to  the  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas,  and 
the  word  of  a  Saganaw  is  never  broken.  Even  now, 
while  both  the  chiefs  and  the  warriors  are  in  his  power, 
lie  will  not  slay  thcni,  for  he  wishes  to  show  the  Ottawa 
the  desire  of  th(3  Saganaw  is  to  bo  friendly  with  the  red 
i'kins,  and  not  to  destroy  tlicni.  Wicked  men  from  the 
t  iuiad;is  imvo  whispered  lies  in  tlic  car  of  the  Ottawa ; 

VOL.  L—ao 


'  V  ,  .'1,    '• 


!'!•?. 


•   ■     '    •,  •  1   '••  ,v  -         I.,  '■.  .■;  'i  ..T ■ 


% 


1 


'   ■  J-  X 


-' '  r^'i* .    I- 


<•   ■  ..r 


*  t 


'   ''iv 


..]• 

>  fy^^ 

;il'i 

^.^' 

■.%' 

•'^^»''( 

1          *''l 

'  'A 

''.'      '           ,!<^ 

m 

v^.viifeir 

in 

4 


I, 


.4 


m 


s^^ 


i'i! 


v^^•^ 


''* 


230 


WACOUSTA. 


but  a  great  chief  should  judge  for  himself,  and  take 
council  only  from  the  wisdom  of  his  own  heart.  The 
Ottawa  and  his  warriors  may  go,"  he  resumed,  after  a 
short  pause ;  "  the  path  by  which  they  came  is  again 
open  to  them.  Let  them  depart  in  peace  ;  the  big  tliun- 
der  of  the  Saganaw  shall  not  harm  them." 

The  countenance  of  the  Indian,  who  had  clearly  seen 
the  danger  of  his  position,  wore  an  expression  of  surjjrise 
which  could  not  be  dissembled :  low  exclamations  passed 
between  him  and  his  companions ;  and,  then  pointing  to 
the  tomahawk  that  lay  half  buried  in  the  wood,  lie  said, 
doubtingly, — 

"  It  was  the  pale  face,  the  friend  of  the  great  chief  of 
the  Otta\vti.3,  who  struck  the  hatchet  at  my  father.  The 
Ottawa  is  not  a  fool  to  believe  the  Saganaw  can  sleep 
without  revenge." 

"  The  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas  shall  know  us  bet- 
ter," was  the  reply.  "  The  young  warriors  of  the  Saga. 
naw  might  destroy  their  enemies  where  they  now  stand, 
but  they  seek  not  their  blood.  When  the  Ottawa  chief 
takes  council  from  his  own  heart,  and  not  from  the  lips 
of  a  cowardly  dog  of  a  pale  face,  who  strikes  his  toma- 
hawk and  then  flies,  his  wisdom  will  tell  him  to  make 
peace  with  the  Saganaw,  whose  warriors  arc  witiiout 
treachery,  even  as  they  are  without  fear." 

Another  of  those  deep  interjectional  "  ughs"  escaped 
the  chest  of  the  proud  Indian. 

"  What  my  father  says  is  good,"  he  returned ;  "  but 
the  pale  face  is  a  great  warrior,  and  the  Ottawa  ciiief  is 
his  friend.     The  Ottawa  will  go." 

He  then  addressed  a  few  sentences,  in  a  tongue  un- 
known to  the  officers,  to  the  swarthy  and  anxious  crowdl 
in  front.    These  were  answered  by  a  low,  sullen,  yet 


WACOUSTA. 


231 


asbcntient  grunt,  from  the  united  band,  who  now  turned, 

though  with  justifiable  caution  and  distrust,  and  recross- 

ed  the  drawbridge  without  hinderance  from  the  troops. 

Ponteac  waited  until  the  last  Indian  had  departed,  and 

then  making  a  movement  to  the  governor,  which,  with 

all  its  haughtiness,  was  meant  to  mark  his  sense  of  the 

forbearance  and  good  faith  that  had  been  manifested, 

once  more  stalked  proudly  and  calmly  across  the  area, 

followed  by  the  remainder  of  the  chiefs.    The  officers 

who  were  with  the  governor  ascended  to  the  ramparts, 

to  follow  their  movements ;  and  it  was  not  before  their 

report  had  been  made  that  the  Indians  were  immerging 

once  more  into  the  heart  of  the  forest,  the  troops  were 

withdrawn  from  their  formidable  defences,  and  the  gate 

of  the  fort  again  firmly  secured. 


i:r 


li.. 


.»*, 


-     .■■■■       ■'  .?'•..'' .ji'i 


^■|- 


v-i; 


f  * 


-■  *    .'* 


■  .  i 


"'i 


'■%. 


m 


•  « 


V'i'  X 


!i;S;t 


h'  ,  ^:^^ 


232 


WACOUSTA. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 


While  the  reader  is  left  to  pause  over  the  rapid  sue 
cession  of  incidents  resulting  from  the  mysterious  en- 
trance of  the  warrior  of  the  Fleur  de  lis  into  the  English 
fort,  be  it  our  task  to  explain  the  circumstances  conned- 
ed  with  the  singular  disappearance  of  Captain  de  Haldi- 
mar,  and  the  melancholy  murder  of  his  unfortunate 
servant. 

It  will  be  recollected  that  the  ill-fated  Halloway,  in 
the  course  of  his  defence  before  the  court  martial,  dis- 
tinctly stated  the  voice  of  the  individual  who  had  ap. 
proached  his  post,  calling  on  the  name  of  Captain  de 
Haldimar,  on  the  night  of  the  alarm,  to  have  been  tliat 
of  a  female,  and  that  the  language  in  which  they  subse- 
quently conversed  was  that  of  the  Ottawa  Indians.  This 
was  strictly  the  fact ;  and  the  only  error  into  which  tiie 
unfortunate  soldier  had  fallen,  had  reference  merely  to 
the  character  and  motives  of  the  party.  He  had  natu- 
rally imagined,  as  he  had  stated,  it  was  some  yoirng; 
female  of  the  village,  whom  attachment  for  liis  officer 
had  driven  to  the  desperate  determination  of  seeking  an 
interview  ;  nor  was  this  impression  at  all  weakened  by 
the  subsequent  discourse  of  the  parties  in  the  Indian 
tongue,  with  which  it  was  well  known,  most  of  the  Ca- 
nadians,  both  male  and  female,  were  more  or  less  con- 
versant.    Thv>  subject  of  that  short,  low,  and  hurried 


WACOUSTA. 


233 


conference  was,  indeed,  one  that  well  warranted  the 
singular  intrusion  ;  and,  in  the  declaration  of  Halloway, 
we  have  already  seen  the  importance  and  anxiety  attach- 
ed by  the  young  officer  to  the  communication.  With- 
out waiting  to  repeat  the  motives  assigned  for  his  de- 
parture, and  the  prayers  and  expostulations  to  which  he 
had  recourse  to  overcome  tlie  determination  and  sense  of 
duty  of  the  unfortunate  sentinel,  let  us  pass  at  once  to 
the  moment  when,  after  having  cleared  the  ditch,  con- 
jointly with  his  faithful  follower,  in  the  manner  already 
siiown.  Captain  de  Haldimar  first  stood  side  by  side  with 
liis  midnight  visitant. 

The  night,  it  has  elsewhere  been  observed,  was  clear 
and  starry,  so  that  objects  upon  the  common,  such  as  the 
rude  stump  that  here  and  there  raised  its  dark  low  head 
above  the  surface,  might  be  dimly  seen  in  the  distance. 
To  obviate  tlie  danger  of  discovery  by  the  sentinels,  ap- 
peared to  be  the  first  study  of  the  female ;  for,  when 
Captain  de  Haldimar,  followed  by  his  servant,  had  reach- 
ed the  spot  on  which  she  stood,  she  put  the  forefinger  of 
one  hand  to  her  lips,  and  with  the  other  pointed  to  his 
booted  foot.  A  corresponding  signal  showed  that  the 
lightness  of  the  material  offered  little  risk  of  betrayal. 
Donellan,  however,  was  made  to  doff  his  heavy  ammuni- 
tion shoes ;  and,  with  this  precaution,  they  all  stole  has- 
tily along,  'mder  the  shadows  of  the  projecting  ramparts, 
until  they  had  gained  the  extreme  rear.  Here  the  female 
suddenly  raised  her  tall  figure  from  the  stooping  position 
in  which  she,  as  well  as  her  companions,  had  performed 
the  dangerous  circuit ;  and,  placing  her  finger  once  more 
significantly  on  her  lips,  led  in  the  direction  of  the  bomb- 
proof, unperceived  by  the  sentinels,  most  of  whom,  it  is 
probable,  had,  up  to  the  moment  of  the  alarm  subsc- 

20* 


.IS.-... .  i  ■  ■         -'  ■  '^ "  ii 


>  - 
It' 


'•         ....  '-•  .'  - 


i'":W':'^ 


'  * 


yr< 


'Mi 


^'4 


-^■vd 


;i>fi 


li 


W  it'M'-  .''  •  ■♦   ■    "•  if- 


^itf 


,^ 


1 

1 

l'''lii 

M'  '';i2j^ 

*fl'    'v*'^t&^ 

ifiit  ..frabjH 

IP-  l«fi'^ 

1  ^'*'w3'Im 

•  ^'''^iLB'^ 

n'iw 

s» 

t^ilfi 

f^^f^TK 

\i* 

'H 

234 


WACOrSTA. 


quently  given,  been  too  much  overcome  by  previous 
watching"  and  excitement  to  have  kept  the  most  vigilant 
look  out. 

Arrived  at  the  skirt  of  tlie  forest,  the  little  party  drew 
up  within  the  shadow  of  the  ruin,  and  a  short  and  earn. 
est  dialogue  ensued,  in  Indian,  between  the  female  and 
the  officer.  This  was  succeeded  by  a  command  from 
the  latter  to  his  servant,  who,  after  a  momentary  but  re. 
spectful  expostulation,  which,  however,  was  utterly  lost 
on  him  to  whom  it  was  addressed,  proceeded  to  divest 
himself  of  his  humble  apparel,  assuming  in  exchange  tlie 
more  elegant  uniform  of  his  superior.  Donellan,  who 
was  also  of  the  grenadiers,  was  remarkable  for  the  re- 
semblance  he  bore,  in  figure,  to  Captain  de  Haldimar; 
wanting,  it  is  true,  the  grace  and  freedom  of  movement 
of  the  latter,  but  still  presenting  an  outline  which,  in  an 
attitude  of  profound  repose,  might,  as  it  subsequently 
did,  have  set  even  those  who  were  most  intimate  with 
the  officer  at  fault. 

"  This  is  well,"  observed  the  female,  as  the  young 
man  proceeded  to  induct  himself  in  the  grey  coat  of  his 
servant,  having  previously  drawn  the  glazed  hat  close 
over  his  waving  and  redundant  hair ;  "  if  the  Saganaw  is 
ready,  Oucanasta  will  go." 

"  Sure,  and  your  honour  does  not  mane  to  lave  mc 
behind  !"  exclaimed  the  anxious  soldier,  as  his  captain 
now  recommended  him  to  stand  closely  concealed  near 
the  ruin  until  his  return.  "  Who  knows  what  ambus- 
cade the  shc-divil  may  lade  your  honour  into ;  and 
thin  who  will  you  have  to  bring  you  out  of  it  ?" 

**  No,  Donellan,  it  must  not  bo :  I  first  intended  it, 
as  you  may  perceive  by  my  bringing  you  out ;  but  the 
expedition  on  which  I  am  going  is  of  the  utmost  im- 


WACOUSTA. 


235 


portancc  to  us  all,  and  too  much  precaution  cannot 
be  taken.  I  fear  no  ambuscade,  for  I  can  depend  on 
the  fidelity  of  my  guide  ;  but  the  presence  of  a  third 
person  would  only  embarrass,  without  assisting  me  in 
the  least.  You  must  remain  behind  ;  the  woman  insists 
upon  it,  and  there  is  no  more  to  be  said." 

«  To  ould  Nick  with  the  ugly  winch,  for  her  pains  I" 
half  muttered  the  disappointed  soldier  to  himself.  "  1 
wish  it  may  be  as  your  honour  says;  but  my  mind 
misgives  me  sadly  that  evil  will  come  of  this.  Has  your 
honour  secured  the  pistols  ?" 

» They  are  here,"  returned  his  captain,  placing  a 
hand  on  either  chest.  "  And  now,  Donellan,  mark 
me  :  I  know  nothing  that  can  detain  me  longer  than 
an  hour ;  at  least  the  woman  assures  me,  and  I  believe 
bor,  that  I  may  be  back  then  ;  but  it  is  well  to  guard 
against  accidents.  You  must  continue  here  for  the 
hour,  and  for  the  hour  only.  If  I  come  not  then,  re- 
turn to  the  fort  without  delay,  for  the  rope  must  be 
removed,  and  the  gate  secured,  before  Halloway  is  re- 
lieved. The  keys  you  will  find  in  the  pocket  of  my 
uniform  :  when  you  have  done  with  them,  let  them  be 
hung  up  in  their  proper  place  in  the  guard-room.  My 
father  must  not  know  either  that  Halloway  suffered 
me  to  pass  the  gate,  or  that  you  accompanied  me." 

"  Lord  love  us  !  your  honour  talks  as  if  you  nivor 
would  return,  g'ving  such  a  heap  of  orders !"  exclaim- 
ed the  startled  man ;  ^^  but  if  I  go  back  alone,  as  I 
trust  in  heaven  1  shall  not,  how  am  I  to  account  for  being 
dressed  in  your  honour's  rigimintals  ?" 

"  I  tell  you,  Donellan,"  impatiently  returned  the 
officei,  "  that  I  shall  be  back ;  but  I  only  wish  to 
guard  against  accidents.    The  instant  you  get  into  the 


>■■.  s.''.vs*-.:vr-^* 


.,*■*- 

'^H^^Vm 

■'   v'->'--^H| 

■■,■  -f;^-:;^!x:H^ 

1-  . 

,  ■  ;      .  ^;V;:    ■■'  ■. 

•'       -  .    -r".  >.    .f. 

■    '-H.   ■     -;■■* 

'.      V. *{■.''■,    ' 

■    -      .  .          .        K             t-    / 

'   f 

hi,        '    ''V<        .  .     •  '    ' 

•■■-■      ;■     »  ■;>■..  ■  ■ 

'^'    '  ■  ,'.■    ", 

»"•        *■  i , 

■  .    'rf        .■-;■■.      ■' 

'   '  .   ■,:>  :.r  ■ 

(  ,.    ■;.  '■ 


'.  J' 


.'^i 


■^'V 
^i^;- 


■^_  -;.rf;4^ 


"  %^' 


'M 


"■lt^^li 


,.'♦'' 


I" 


te 


■ir.: 


j'";V^'ii 


fat  •*<'■:  'S'l 


236 


WACOUSTA. 


fort,  you  will  take  off  my  clothes  and  resume  your 
own.  Who  the  devil  is  to  see  you  in  the  uniform,  un- 
less it  be  Halloway  ?" 

"  If  the  Saganaw  would  not  see  the  earth  red  with 
the  blood  of  his  race,  he  will  go,"  interrupted  the 
female.  "  Oucanasta  can  feel  the  breath  of  the  morn- 
ing fresh  upon  her  cheek,  and  the  council  of  the  chiefs 
must  be  begun." 

"  The  Saganaw  is  ready,  and  Oucanasta  shall  lead 
the  way,"  hastily  returned  the  officer.  "  One  word 
mere,  Donellan,"  and  he  pressed  the  hand  of  his  do- 
mestic kindly  :  "  should  I  not  return,  you  must,  with- 
out committing  Halloway  or  yourself,  cause  my  fatiier 
to  be  apprised  that  the  Indians  meditate  a  deep  and 
treacherous  plan  to  get  possession  of  the  fort.  What 
that  plan  is,  I  know  not  yet  myself,  neither  does  this 
woman  know ;  but  she  says  that  I  shall  hear  it  discuss. 
ed  unseen,  even  in  the  hea.t  of  their  own  encampment. 
All  you  have  to  do  is  to  acquaint  my  father  with  the 
existence  of  danger.  And  now  be  cautious  :  above  all 
things,  k>-'ep  close  under  the  shadow  of  the  bomb-proof; 
for  there  are  scouts  constantly  prowling  about  the 
common,  and  the  glittering  of  the  uniform  in  the  star. 

light  may  betray  you." 

"  But  why  may  I  not  follow  your  honour?"  again 

urged  the  faithful  soldier ;  "  and  where  is  the  use  of  my 
remaining  here  to  count  the  stars,  and  hear  the  '  all's 
well !'  from  the  fort,  when  I  could  be  so  much  better  cm- 
ployed  in  guarding  your  honour  from  harm?  What 
sort  of  protection  can  that  Ingian  woman  afford,  who  is 
of  the  race  of  oui*  bittereot  enemies,  them  cursed  Ottawas, 
and  your  honour  venturing,  too,  like  a  spy  into  the  very 
heart  of  the  blood-hounds?    Ah,  Captain  de  Haldimar, 


WACOUSTA. 


237 


for  the  love  of  God,  do  not  trust  yourself  alone  with  her, 
or  I  am  sure  I  shall  never  see  your  honour  again !" 

The  last  words  (unhappily  too  prophetic)  fell  only  on 
the  ear  of  him  who  uttered  them.  The  female  and  the 
officer  had  already  disappeared  round  an  abrupt  angle  of 
the  bomb-proof;  and  the  soldier,  as  directed  by  his  mas- 
ter,  now  drew  up  his  tall  figure  against  the  ruin,  where 
iie  continued  for  a  period  immovable,  as  if  he  had  been 
planted  there  in  his  ordinary  character  of  sentinel,  listen- 
ing, until  they  eventually  died  away  in  distance,  to  the 
receding  footsteps  of  his  master  ;  and  then  ruminating 
on  the  several  apprehensions  that  crowded  on  his  mind, 
in  regoTd  to  the  probable  issue  of  his  adventurous  pro- 
ject. 

Meanwhile,  Captain  de  Haldimar  and  his  guide  trod 
the  mazes  of  tlie  forest,  with  an  expedition  that  proved 
the  latter  to  be  well  acquainted  with  its  bearings.  On 
quitting  the  bomb-proof,  she  had  struck  into  a  narrow 
winding  path,  less  seen  than  felt  in  the  deep  gloom  per- 
vading the  wood,  and  with  light  steps  bounded  over  ob- 
stacles that  lay  strewed  in  their  course,  emitting  scarcely 
more  sound  than  would  have  been  produced  by  the  slimy 
crawl  of  its  native  rattlesnake.  Not  so,  however,  with 
the  less  experienced  tread  of  her  companion.  Wanting 
the  pliancy  of  movement  given  to  it  by  the  light  mocassin, 
the  booted  foot  of  the  young  officer,  despite  of  all  his  pre- 
caution, fell  heavily  to  the  ground,  producing  such  a 
rustling  among  the  dried  leaves,  that,  had  an  Indian  car 
been  lurking  any  where  around,  his  approach  must  inevi- 
tably liavo  been  betrayed.  More  than  once,  too,  neglect- 
ing to  follow  the  injunction  of  his  companion,  who 
moved  in  a  stooping  posture,  with  her  head  bent  over 
lier  chest,  his  hat  was   caught  in  the  closely  matted 


m 


Hi' 


■      •    —    .,  ^\.  ■,'4  i? 


..  ...■-.    . '     }  ■',)  •  ■■ . 


■>*     .V. 


^M: 


Y.,-; 


i  .# 


'      '.\t-   •,  '''li\ 


I 


.n*' 


M 


Im4 


238 


WACOUSTA. 


branches,  and  fell  sullenly  and  he.avily  to  the  earth,  cvi. 
dently  much  to  the  discomfiture  of  his  guide. 

At  length  they  stood  on  the  verge  of  a  dark  and  preci- 
pitous ravine,  the  abrupt  sides  of  which  were  studded 
with  underwood,  so  completely  interwoven  that  all  pas. 
sage  appeared  impracticable.  What,  however,  seemed  an 
insurmountable  obstacle,  proved,  in  reality,  an  inestima- 
ble advantage ;  for  it  was  by  clinging  to  this,  in  imita- 
tion  of  the  example  set  him  by  his  companion,  the  yoimg 
officer  was  prevented  from  rolling  into  an  abyss,  tlic 
depth  of  which  was  lost  in  the  profound  obscurity  that 
pervaded  the  scene.  Through  the  bed  of  this  dark  dell 
rolled  a  narrow  stream,  so  imperceptible  to  the  eye  in  the 
"  living  darkness,"  and  so  noiseless  in  its  course,  that  it 
was  not  until  warned  by  his  companion  he  stood  on  the 
very  brink  of  it.  Captain  de  Haldimarwas  made  sensible 
of  its  existence.  Both  cleared  it  at  a  single  bound,  in 
which  the  activity  of  the  female  was  not  the  least  con- 
spicuous,  and,  clambering  up  the  opposite  steep,  secured 
their  footing,  by  the  aid  of  the  same  underwood  that  had 
assisted  them  in  their  descent. 

On  gaining  the  other  summit,  which  was  not  done 
without  detaching  several  loose  stones  from  their  sandy 
bed,  they  again  fell  into  the  path,  which  had  been  lost 
sight  of  in  traversing  the  ravine.  They  had  proceeded 
along  this  about  half  a  mile,  when  the  female  suddenly 
stopped,  and  pointing  to  a  dim  and  lurid  atmosphere  that 
now  began  to  show  itself  between  the  thin  foliage,  whis. 
pered  that  in  the  opening  beyond  stood  the  encampment 
of  the  Indians.  She  then  seated  herself  on  the  trunk  of 
a  fallen  tree,  that  lay  at  the  side  of  the  almost  invisible 
path  they  had  hitherto  pursued,  and  motioning  to  her 


face  is  n( 


WACOUSTA. 


239 


companion  to  unboot  himself,  proceeded  to  unlace  the 
fastenings  of  her  mocassins. 

"The  foot  of  the  Saganaw  must  fall  like  the  night  dew 
on  tlic  prairie,"  she  observed ;  "  the  ear  of  the  red  skin  is 
quicker  than  the  liglitning-,  and  he  will  know  that  a  pale 
face  is  near,  if  he  hear  but  his  tread  upon  a  blade  of 


(jrass. 


TJie  young'  officer  had,  at  the  first  suggestion  of  his 
;ruide,  divested  himself  of  his  boots,  prepared  to  perform 
tlic  remainder  of  the  journey  merely  in  his  stockings,  but 
his  companion  now  threw  herself  on  her  knees  before 
him,  and,  without  further  ceremony,  proceeded  to  draw 
over  his  foot  one  of  the  mocassins  she  had  just  relin- 
quished. 

"  The  feet  of  the  Saganaw  are  soft  as  those  of  a  young 
cliild,"  she  remarked,  in  a  voice  of  commiseration  ;  "  but 
the  mocassins  of  Oucanasta  shall  protect  them  from  the 
thorns  of  the  forest." 

This  was  too  un-European, — too  much  reversing  the 
established  order  of  things,  to  be  borne  patiently.  As  if 
he  had  felt  the  dignity  of  his  manhood  offended  by  the 
proposal,  the  officer  drew  his  foot  hastily  back,  declaring, 
as  he  sprang  from  the  log,  he  did  not  care  for  the  thorns, 
and  could  not  think  of  depriving  a  female,  who  must  be 
much  more  sensible  of  pain  than  himself. 

Oucanasta,  however,  was  not  to  be  outdone  in  polite- 
ness. She  calmly  reseated  herself  on  the  log,  drew  her 
right  foot  over  her  left  knee,  caught  one  of  the  hands  of 
lier  companion,  and  placing  it  upon  the  naked  sole,  de- 
sired him  to  feel  how  impervious  to  attack  of  every  de- 
scription was  that  indurated  portion  of  the  lower  limb. 

Tills  practical  argument  is  not  without  its  weight, 
and  had  more  effect  in  deciding  the  officer  than  a  volume 


m 

.  ' 

, 

''.If- 

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.'.'•■     ■•    ■»< 

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240 


WACOUSTA. 


of  remonstrance.  When  Captain  de  Haldimar  had 
passed  his  unwilling  hand  over  the  foot  of  Oucanasta, 
which,  whatever  her  face  might  have  been,  was  certainly 
any  thing  but  delicate,  and  encountered  numerous  ragged 
excrescences  and  raspy  callosities  that  set  all  symmetry 
at  defiance,  a  wonderful  revolution  came  over  his  feel- 
ings ;  and  secretly  determining  the  mocassins  would  be 
equally  well  placed  on  his  own  feet,  he  no  longer  offered 
any  opposition. 

This  important  point  arranged,  the  officer  once  more 
followed  his  guide  in  silence.  Gradually  the  forest,  as 
they  advanced,  became  lighter  with  the  lurid  atmosphere 
before  alluded  to ;  and  at  length,  through  the  trees,  could 
be  indistinctly  seen  the  Indian  fires  from  which  it  pro- 
ceeded. The  young  man  was  now  desired  by  liis  con- 
ductress to  use  the  utmost  circumspection  in  making  the 
circuit  of  the  wood,  in  order  to  gain  a  position  imme- 
diately opposite  to  the  point  where  the  path  they  liad 
hitherto  pursued  terminated  in  the  opening.  This,  in- 
deed,  was  the  most  dangerous  and  critical  part  of  tJic  un. 
dertaking.  A  false  step,  or  the  crackling  of  a  decayed 
branch  beneath  the  foot,  would  have  been  sufficient  to 
betray  proximity,  in  which  case  his  doom  was  sealed. 

Fortunate  did  he  now  deem  himself  in  having  yielded 
to  the  counsel  of  his  guide.  Had  he  retained  his  unhend- 
ing  boot,  it  must  have  crushed  whatever  it  pressed; 
whereas,  the  pliant  mocassin,  yielding  to  the  obstacles  it 
encountered,  enabled  him  to  pass  noiselessly  over  them. 
Still,  wliilc  exempt  from  danger  on  this  score,  another, 
scarcely  less  perplexing,  became  at  every  instant  more 
obvious ;  for,  as  they  drew  nearer  to  the  jwint  wliieii  the 
female  sought  to  gain,  the  dim  light  of  tlie  Jialf-sluinl)tr- 
iug  fires  fell  so  inunudiutcly  upon  tiicir  pull),  tliut  had  a 


WACOUSTA. 


241 


single  human  eye  been  turned  in  that  direction,  their 
discovery  was  inevitable.    It  was  with  a  beating  heart, 
to  which  mere  personal  fear,  however,  was  a  stranger,  that 
Captain  do  Haldimar  performed  this  concluding  stage  of 
his  adventurous  course ;  but,  at  a  moment  when  he  con- 
sidered detection  unavoidable,  and  was  arming  himself 
with  resolution  to  meet  the  event,  the  female  suddenly 
halted,  placing,  in  the  act,  the  trunk  of  an  enormous 
beech  between  her   companion   and   the  dusky  forms 
witiiin,  whose  very  breathing  could  be  heard  by  the 
anxious  officer.    Without  uttering  a  word,  she  took  his 
hand,  and,  drawing  him  gently  forward,  disappeared  al- 
togetlier  from  his  view.    The  young  man  followed,  and 
in  the  next  moment  found  himself  in  the  bowelless  body 
of  the  tree  itself;  into  which,  on  the  side  of  the  encamp- 
ment, both  light  -and  sound  were  admitted  by  a  small 
aperture  formed  by  the  natural  decay  of  the  wood. 

The  Indian  pressed  her  lips  to  the  ear  of  her  compa- 
nion, and  rather  breathed  than  said, — "The  Saganaw 
will  see  and  hear  every  thing  from  this  in  safety ;  and 
what  he  hears  let  him  treasure  in  his  heart.  Oucanasta 
must  go.  When  the  council  is  over  she  will  return,  and 
lead  him  back  to  his  warriors." 

With  this  brief  intimation  she  departed,  and  so  noise- 
lessly, that  the  young  officer  was  not  aware  of  her  ab- 
sence until  some  minutes  of  silence  had  satisfied  him  she 
must  be  gone.  His  first  care  then  was  to  survey,  through 
the  aperture  tliat  lay  in  a  level  with  his  eye,  the  charac- 
ter of  the  scene  l)eforc  him.  The  small  plain,  in  which  lay 
the  encampment  of  the  Indians,  was  a  sort  of  oasis  of  the 
t'orest,  girt  round  with  a  rude  belt  of  underwood,  and  some- 
what elevated,  so  as  to  present  the  apiK^arancc  of  a  mound, 
instructed  on  the  first  principles  of  art.  This  was  thickly, 

VOL.  1.— 21 


ii/     ■  ■     ■•^■  .  ■  J..     ■».'.'    .J*   . 


',t,    i'  • 


i  ^ 


i 


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i 


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*>  •-••'a 


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t'ii 


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<l  tt 


■*'.■■- 


t 


242 


WACOUSTA. 


although  irregularly  studded  with  tents,  some  of  wliich 
were  formed  of  large  coarse  mats  thrown  over  poles  dis- 
posed in  a  conical  shape,  while  others  were  more  rudely 
composed  of  the  leafy  branches  of  the  forest. 

Within  these,  groups  of  human  forms  lay  wrapped  in 
their  blankets,  stretched  at  their  lazy  length.    Others, 
with  their  feet  placed  close  to  the  dying  embers  of  their 
fires,  diverged  like  so  many  radii  from  their  centre,  and 
lay  motionless  in  sleep,  as  if  life  and  consciousness  were 
wholly  extinct.     Here  and  there  was  to  be  seen  a  solitary 
warrior   securing,   with    admirable   neatness,  and  wit'i 
delicate  ligatures  formed  of  tlie  sinew  of  the  deer,  the 
guiding  feather,  or  fashioning  the  bony  barb  of  his  long 
arrow ;  while   others,  with  the   same  warlike  spirit  in 
view,  employed  themselves  in  cutting  and  greasing  small 
patches  of  smoked  deerskin,  which  were  to  secure  and 
give  a  more  certain  direction  to  the  murderous  bullet. 
Among  the  warriors  were  interspersed  many  women, 
some  of  whom  might  be  seen  supporting  in  their  laps  tlie 
heavy  heads  of  their  unconscious  helpmates,  while  they 
occupied  themselves,  by  the  firelight,  in  parting  the  long 
black  matted  hair,  and  maintaining  a  destructive  war- 
fare against  the  pigmy  inhabitants  of  that  dark  region. 
These  signs  of  life  and  activity  in  the  body  of  the  canip 
generally  were,  however,  but  few  and  occasional ;  hut,  at 
the  spot  where  Captain  de  Haldimar  stood  concealed,  the 
scene  was  different.    At  a  few  yards  from  the  tree  stood 
a  sort  of  shed,  composed  of  tall  poles  placed  upright  in 
the  earth,  and  supporting  a  roof  formed  simply  of  rude 
boughs,  the  foliage  of  wliich  had  been  withered  by  time. 
This  simple  edifice  might  be  about  fifty  feet  in  circum- 
ference.    In  the  centre  blazed  a  largo  fire  that  had  been 
newly  fed,  and  around  this  were  assembled  a  band  ol 


WACOUSTA. 


243 


swarthy  warriors,  some  twenty  or  thirty  in  number,  who, 
by  their  proud,  calm,  and  thoughtful  bearing,  might  at 
once  be  known  to  be  chiefs. 

The  faces  of  most  of  these  were  familiar  to  the  young 
officer,  who  speedily  recognised  them  for  the  principals 
of  the  various  tribes  Ponteac  had  leagued  in  arms 
against  his  enemies.  That  chief  himself,  ever  remark- 
able for  his  haughty  eye  and  commanding  gesture,  was 
of  the  number  of  those  present ;  and,  a  little  aloof  from 
his  inferiors,  sat,  with  his  feet  stretched  towards  the  fire, 
and  half  reclining  on  his  side  in  an  attitude  of  indo- 
lenjt,  ^'ct  with  his  mind  evidently  engrossed  by  deep 
and  '  i^g  thought.     From  some  observations  that 

distin^  J.J  met  his  ear.  Captain  de  Haldimar  gatliered, 
the  party  were  only  awaiting  the  arrival  of  an  important 
character,  without  whose  presence  the  leading  chief  was 
unwilling  the  conference  should  begin.  The  period  of 
the  officer's  concealment  had  just  been  long  enough  to 
enable  him  to  fix  all  these  particulars  in  his  mind,  when 
suddenly  tlie  faint  report  of  a  distant  rifle  was  heard 
echoing  throughout  the  wood.  This  was  instantly  suc- 
ceeded by  a  second,  that  sounded  more  sharply  on  the 
car;  and  then  followed  a  long  and  piercing  cry  that 
brought  every  warrior,  even  of  those  who  slept,  quickly 
to  his  feet. 

An  anxious  interval  of  some  minutes  passed  away  in 
the  fixed  and  listening  attitudes,  which  the  chiefs  espe- 
cially had  assumed,  when  a  noise  resembling  that  of 
some  animal  forcing  its  way  rapidly  through  tlie  rustling 
branches,  was  faintly  heard  in  the  direction  in  which  the 
shots  had  been  fired.  This  gra<Uially  increased  as  it 
evidently  approached  the  encampment,  and  tiien,  dis- 
tinclly,  could  l)e  heard  the  light  yet  unguarded  boundings 


1 

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If 


244 


WACOUSTA. 


of  a  human  foot.  At  every  moment  the  rustling  of  tlie 
underwood,  rapidly  divided  by  the  approaching  form,  be- 
came more  audible ;  and  so  closely  did  the  intruder  press 
upon  the  point  in  which  Captain  de  Haldimar  was  con- 
cealed, that  that  officer,  fancying  he  had  been  betrayed, 
turned  hastily  round,  and,  grasping  one  of  the  pistols  lie 
had  secreted  in  his  chest,  prepared  himself  for  a  last  and 
deadly  encounter.  An  instant  or  two  was  sufficient  to 
re-assure  him.  The  form  glided  hastily  past,  brushing 
the  tree  with  its  garments  in  its  course,  and  clearing,  at 
a  'single  bound,  the  belt  of  underwood  that  divided  the 
encampment  from  the  tall  forest,  stood  suddenly  among 
the  group  of  anxious  and  expectant  chiefs. 

This  individual,  a  man  of  tall  stature,  was  powerfully 
made.  He  wore  a  jerkin,  or  hunting-coat  of  leather ;  and 
his  arms  were,  a  rifle  which  had  every  appearance  of 
having  just  been  discharged,  a  tomahawk  reeking  with 
blood,  and  a  scalping  knife,  which,  in  the  hurry  of  some 
recent  service  it  had  been  made  to  perform,  had  missed 
its  sheath,  and  was  thrust  naked  into  the  belt  that  encir- 
cled his  loins.  His  countenance  wore  an  expression  of 
malignant  triumph ;  and  as  his  eye  fell  on  the  asscm- 
bled  throng,  its  self-satisfied  and  exulting  glance  seemed 
to  give  them  to  understand  he  came  not  without  creden- 
tials to  recommend  him  to  their  notice.  Captain  dc 
Haldimar  was  particularly  struck  by  the  air  of  bold  dar- 
ing and  almost  insolent  recklessness  pervadin^f  every 
movement  of  this  man :  and  it  was  difficult  to  say  whe- 
ther the  haughtiness  of  bearing  peculiar  to  Ponter"  him- 
self, was  not  exceeded  by  that  of  this  herculean  warrior. 

By  the  body  of  cliicfs  his  appearance  had  been  greeted 
with  a  mere  general  grunt  of  approbation ;  but  the  coun- 
tenance of  the  leader  expressed  a  more  personal  interest. 


m  ft 


m 

li.ti; 


m 


w. 


WACOUSTA. 


245 


All  seemed  to  expect  he  had  something  of  moment  to 
communicate ;  but  as  it  was  not  consistent  with  the  dig- 
nity of  Indian  etiquette  to  enquire,  they  waited  calmly 
until  it  should  please  their  new  associate  to  enter  on  the 
history  of  his  exploits.  In  pursuance  of  an  invitation 
from  Ponteac,  he  now  took  his  seat  on  the  right  hand  of 
that  chief,  and  immediately  facing  the  tree,  from  which 
Captain  de  Haldimar,  strongly  excited  both  by  the  reports 
of  the  shots  that  had  been  fired,  and  the  sight  of  the 
bloody  tomahawk  of  the  recently  arrived  Indian,  gazed 
earnestly  and  anxiously  on  the  swarthy  throng. 

Glancing  once  more  triumphantly  round  the  circle, 
who  sat  smoking  their  pipes  in  calm  and  deliberative 
silence,  the  latter  now  observed  the  eye  of  a  young  chief^ 
who  sat  opposite  to  him,  intently  riveted  on  his  left  shoul- 
der. He  raised  his  hand  to  the  part,  withdrew  it,  looked 
at  it,  and  found  it  wet  with  blood.  A  slight  start  of  sur- 
prise betrayed  his  own  unconsciousnsss  of  the  accident ; 
yet,  secretly  vexed  at  the  discovery  which  had  been 
made,  ana  urged  probably  by  one  of  his  wayward  fits, 
he  demanded  haughtily  and  insultingly  of  the  young 
chief,  if  that  was  the  first  time  he  had  ever  looked  on  the 
blood  of  a  warrior. 

"  Docs  my  brother  feel  pain  ?"  was  the  taunting  reply. 
"  If  he  is  come  to  us  with  a  trophy,  it  is  not  without 
being  dearly  bought.  The  Saganaw  has  spilt  his  blood." 
"The  weapons  of  the  Saganaw,  like  tliose  of  the 
smooth  face  of  the  Ottawa,  are  without  sting,"  angrily 
retorted  the  other.  "  They  only  prick  the  skin  like  a 
thorn;  but  when  Wacousta  drinks  the  blood  of  his 
enemy,"  and  he  glanced  his  eye  fiercely  at  the  young 
man,  "  it  is  the  blood  next  his  heart." 
"  My  brother  lias  always  big  words  upon  his  lips," 

21* 


-  ■^    -       I   - 

■v;  ■  •■ 


>■'  .^j^ 


'■^S 


^^-  " -if! 

■•  7- 


..M 


*i-.i 


v\ 


246 


WACOUSTA. 


returned  the  young  chief,  with  a  Bcomful  sneer  at  the 
implied  threat  against  himself.  "But  where  are  liis 
proofs  ?" 

For  a  moment  the  eye  of  the  party  thus  challenged 
kindled  into  flame,  while  his  lips  were  firmly  compressed 
together ;  and  as  he  half  bent  himself  forward,  to  scan 
with  greater  earnestness  the  features  of  his  questioner, 
his  right  hand  sank  to  his  left  side,  tightly  grasping  the 
handle  of  his  scalping-knife.  The  action  was  but  mo- 
mentary. Again  he  drew  himself  up,  puffed  the  smoke 
deliberately  from  his  bloody  tomahawk,  and,  thrusting 
his  right  hand  into  his  bosom,  drew  leisurely  forth  a 
reeking  scalp,  which  he  tossed  insolently  across  the  fire 
into  the  lap  of  the  young  chief  A  loud  and  general 
"  ugh  I"  testified  the  approbation  of  the  assembled  group, 
at  the  unequivocal  answer  thus  given  to  the  demand  of 
the  youth.  The  eye  of  the  huge  warrior  sparkled  witli  a 
deep  and  ferocious  exultation. 

*^  What  says  the  smooth  face  of  the  Ottawas  now  ?" 
he  demanded,  in  the  same  insolent  strain.  "  Does  it 
make  his  heart  sick  to  look  upon  the  scalp  of  a  great 
chief?" 

The  young  man  quietly  turned  the  horrid  trophy 
over  several  times  in  bis  hand,  examining  it  attentively 
in  every  part.  Then  tossing  it  back  with  contempt- 
uous coolness  to  its  owner,  he  replied, — 

"  The  eyes  of  my  brother  are  weak  with  age.  He 
is  not  cunning,  like  a  red  skin.  The  Ottawa  has  often 
seen  the  Saganaw  in  their  fort,  and  he  knows  their 
chiefs  have  fine  hair  like  women  ;  but  this  is  like  the 
bristles  of  the  fox.  My  brother  has  not  slain  a  great 
chief,  but  a  common  warrior." 


WACOUSTA. 


247 


A  flush  of  irrepressible  and  threatening  anger  passed 
over  the  features  of  the  vast  savage. 

"Is  it  for  a  boy,"  he  fiercely  asked,  "whose  eyes 
know  not  yet  the  colour  of  blood,  to  judge  of  the  ene- 
mies that  fall  by  tho  tomahawk  of  Wacoustu  bat  a 
great  warrior  never  boasts  of  actions  that  he  does  not 
achieve.  It  is  the  son  of  the  great  chief  of  the  Saga- 
naw  whom  he  has  slain.  If  the  smooth  face  doubts  it, 
and  has  courage  to  venture,  even  at  night,  within  a 
hundred  yards  of  the  fort,  he  will  see  a  Saganaw  with- 
out  a  scalp ;  and  he  will  know  that  Saganaw  by  his 
dress — the  dress,"  he  pursued,  with  a  low  emphatic 
laugh,  "  that  Oucanasta,  the  sister  of  the  smooth  face, 
loved  so  much  to  look  upon." 

Quicker  than  thought  was  the  upspringing  of  tho 
young  Indian  to  his  feet.  With  a  cheek  glowing,  an 
eye  flashing,  and  his  gleaming  tomahawk  whirling 
rapidly  round  his  head,  he  cleared  at  a  single  bound  tho 
fire  that  separated  him  from  his  insulter.  Tho  formi- 
dable man  who  had  thus  wantonly  provoked  the  attack, 
was  equally  prompt  in  meeting  it.  At  the  flrst  move- 
ment of  the  youth,  he  too  had  leapt  to  his  feet,  and 
brandished  the  terrible  weapon  that  served  in  the  dou- 
ble capacity  of  pipo  and  hatchet.  A  tierce  yell  escaped 
the  lips  of  each,  as  they  thus  met  in  close  and  hostile 
collision,  and  the  scene  for  the  moment  promised  to  be 
one  of  the  most  tragic  character ;  but  before  either 
could  find  an  assailable  point  on  which  to  rest  his  for- 
midable weapon,  Ponteac  himself  had  thrown  his  per- 
son between  them,  and  in  a  voice  of  thunder  command- 
ed tho  instant  abandonment  of  their  purpose.  Exas- 
perated oven  as  they  now  mutually  were,  the  influence 
of  that  authority,  for  which  the  great  chief  of  the  Ot- 


u 

I- 


I 

1^ 


i  -  -' ,.'  -i.*   ■.«■'».>.■' t  *  •  .J .■  i  ■ .   ,_  M 


k 
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k 


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I 


248 


WACOUSTA. 


tawas  was  well  known,  was  not  without  due  effect  on 
the  combatants.  His  anger  was  principally  directed 
against  the  assailant,  on  whom  the  tones  of  his  reprov- 
ing voice  produced  a  change  the  intimidation  of  his 
powerful  opponent  could  never  have  effected.  The 
young  chief  dropped  the  point  of  his  tomahawk ;  bowed 
his  head  in  submission,  and  then  resuming  his  seat, 
sat  during  the  remainder  of  the  night  with  his  arms 
folded,  and  his  head  bent  in  silence  over  his  chest. 

"  Our  brother  has  done  well,"  said  Ponteac,  glancing 
approvingly  at  him  who  had  exhibited  the  reeking  tro- 
phy, and  whom  he  evidently  favoured.  "  He  is  a  great 
chief,  and  his  words  are  truth.  We  heard  the  report 
of  his  rifle,  and  we  also  heard  the  cry  that  told  he  had 
borne  away  the  scalp  of  an  enemy.  But  we  will  think 
of  this  to-morrow.    Let  us  now  commence  our  talk." 

Our  readers  will  readily  imagine  the  feelings  of  Cap- 
tain de  Haldimar  during  this  short  but  exciting  scene. 
From  the  account  given  by  the  warrior,  there  could  be 
no  doubt  the  murdered  man  was  the  unhappy  Done!- 
Ian ;  who,  probably,  neglecting  the  caution  given  him, 
had  exposed  himself  to  the  murderous  aim  of  this  fierco 
being,  who  was  apparently  a  scout  sent  for  the  purpose 
of  watching  the  movements  of  the  garrison.  The  di- 
rection of  the  firing,  the  allusion  made  to  the  regimen- 
tals, nay,  the  scalp  itself,  which  ho  knew  from  the  short 
crop  to  be  that  of  a  soldier,  and  fancied  he  recognised 
from  its  colour  to  be  that  of  liis  servant,  formed  but  too 
conclusive  evidence  of  the  fact ;  and,  bitterly  and  deep- 
ly, as  he  gazed  on  this  melancholy  proof  of  the  man's 
sacrifice  of  life  to  his  interest,  did  lie  repent  that  he 
had  made  him  the  companion  of  his  adventure,  or  that, 
having  done  so,  he  had  not  either  brought  him  away 


WACOUSTA. 


249 


altogother,  or  sent  hira  instantly  back  to  the  fort.  Com- 
miseration for  the  fate  of  the  unfortunate  Donellan 
naturally  induced  a  spirit  of  personal  hostility  towards 
his  destroyer ;  and  it  was  with  feelings  strongly  excit- 
ed in  favour  of  him  whom  he  now  discovered  to  be  the 
brother  of  his  guide,  that  he  saw  him  spring  fiercely  to 
the  attack  of  his  gigantic  opponent.    There  was  an 
activity  about  the  young  chief  amply  commensurate 
with  the  great  physical  power  of  his  adversary  ;  while 
the  manner  in  which  he  wielded  his  tomahawk,  proved 
iiim  to  be  any  thing  bat  the  novice  in  the  use  of  the 
formidable  weapon  the  other  had  represented  him.    It 
was  with  a  feeling  of  disappointment,  therefore,  which 
the  peculiarity  of  his  own  position  could  not  overcome, 
ho  saw  Ponteac  interpose  himself  between  the  parties. 
Presently,  however,  a  subject  of  deeper  and  more 
absorbing  interest  than  even  the  fate  of  his  unhappy 
follower  en|frossed  every  faculty  of  his  mind,  and 
riveted  both  eye  and  ear  in  painful  tension  to  the 
aperture  in  his  hiding-place.     The  chiefs  had  resumed 
their  places,  and  the  silence  of  a  few  minutes  had  suc- 
ceeded to  the  fierce  affray  of  the  warriors,  when  Pon- 
teac, in  a  calm  and  deliberate  voice,  proceeded  to  state 
he  had  summoned  all  the  heads  of  the  nations  together, 
to  hear  a  plan  he  had  to  offer  for  the  reduction  of  the 
last  remaining  forts  of  their  enemies,  Michilimackinac 
and  Detroit.    He  pointed  out  the  tediousness  of  the 
warfare  in  which  they  were  engaged ;  the  desertion  of 
the  hunting-grounds  by  their  warriors;  and  their  con- 
sequent deficiency  in  all  those  articles  of  European 
traffic  which  they  were  formerly  in  the  habit  of  receiv- 
ing in  exchange  for  their  furs.    He  dwelt  on  the  bene- 
ficial results  that  would  accrue  to  them  all  in  the  event 


■    .:;■'.■  ^  ■'■  '■■■■\t  ■■<■  *M^'^ 
,■■  >•!"  .'•■•' ..1      '  .".'  *  ',■■..1  ,  ,., 


I 

I'-- 
11.1' 

«, 

k, 
li' 


If 


„^. 


■I- 

Iff- 


■4* 


•f  ."■    i       ., 

;■ /,  •  ,^ 

' ,' 

• 

■  *■'■    ■,■->•■   ■ 

*  ■ 

J  Alt'  ■     .-   "i       --      ■"         •■  *'   i    »■ 

'   !••       ■  >.'*      '     ,  f.     ■.;,■•■    "■• 


•f.    :-^.. 


ii 

ii- 


■'.I 


lit;.    #?: 


«"     ,*' 


';t  ■  w- "  r 


'^~ 


'1.  ■" 


m 


m 


i* 


i¥4 


« 


S^fp-! 


>,ai 


Mil';  %^ 


11 


Ml': 


Ji 


260 


WACOTJSTA. 


of  the  reduction  of  those  two  important  fortresses- 
since,  in  that  case,  they  would  he  enabled  to  make  such 
terms  with  the  English  as  would  secure  to  them  con. 
siderable  advantages ;  while,  instead  of  being  treated 
with  the  indignity  of  a  conquered  people,  they  would 
be  enabled  to  command  respect  from  the  imposing  atti- 
tude  this  final  crowning  of  their  successes  would  enable 
them  to  assume.  He  stated  that  the  prudence  and 
vigilance  of  the  commanders  of  these  two  unreduced 
fortresses  were  likely  long  to  baffle,  as  had  hitherto  been 
the  case,  every  open  attempt  at  their  capture ;  and  ad- 
mitted he  had  little  expectation  of  terrifying  them  into 
a  surrender  by  the  same  artifice  that  had  succeeded 
with  the  forts  on  the  Ohio  and  the  lower  lakes.  The 
plan,  however,  which  he  had  to  propose,  was  one  he 
felt  assured  would  be  attended  with  success.  He 
would  disclose  that  plan,  and  the  great  chiefs  should 
give  it  the  advantage  of  their  deliberation. 

Captain  de  Haldimar  was  on  the  rack.  The  chief  had 
gradually  dropped  his  voice  as  he  explained  his  plan,  until 
at  length  it  became  so  low,  that  undistinguishable  sounds 
alone  reached  the  ear  of  the  excited  officer.  For  a  mo- 
ment he  despaired  of  making  himself  fully  master  of  the 
important  secret ;  but  in  the  course  of  the  deliberation 
that  ensued,  the  blanks  left  unsupplied  in  the  discourse 
of  the  leader  were  abundantly  filled  up.  It  was  what  the 
reader  has  already  seen.  The  necessities  of  the  Indians 
were  to  be  urged  as  a  motive  for  their  being  tirod  of 
hostilities.  A  peace  was  to  be  solicited ;  a  council  held; 
a  ball-playing  among  the  warriors  proposed,  as  a  mark 
of  tlieir  own  sincerity  and  confidence  during  thai  conn- 
cil ;  and  when  the  garrison,  lulled  into  security,  should 
be  thrown  entirely  off  their  guard,  the  warriors  were  to 


WACOUSTA. 


261 


seize  their  guns  and  tomahawks,  with  which  (the  former 
cut  short,  for  the  better  concealment  of  their  purpose) 
their  women  would  be  provided,  rush  in,  under  pretext 
of  regaining  their  lost  ball,  when  a  universal  massacre 
of  men,  women,  and  children  was  to  ensue,  until  nothing 
wearing  the  garb  of  a  Saganaw  should  be  left. 

It  would  be  tedious  to  follow  the  chief  through  all  the 
minor  ramifications  of  his  subtle  plan.     Suffice  it  they 
were  of  a  nature  to  throw  the  moat  wary  off  his  guard ; 
aiid  so  admirably  arranged  was  every  part,  so  certain 
did  it  appear  their  enemies  must  give  into  the  snare,  that 
the  oldest  chiefs  testified  their  approbation  with  a  vivacity 
of  manner  and  expression  little  wont  to  characterise  the 
deliberative  meetings  of  these   reserved  people.     But 
deepest  of  all  was  the  approval  of  the  tall  warrior  who 
had  so  recently  arrived.    To  him  had  the  discourse  of 
tiie  leader  been  principally  directed,  as  one  whose  coun- 
sel and  experience  were  especially  wanting  to  confirm 
him  in  his  purpose.    He  was  the  last  who  spoke ;  but, 
when  he  did,  it  was  with  a  force — an  energy — that  must 
liave  sunk  every  objection,  even  if  the  plan  had  not  been 
so  perfect  and  unexceptionable  in  its  concoction  as  to 
have  precluded  a  possibility  of  all  negative  argument. 
During  the  delivery  of  his  animated  speech,  his  swarthy 
countenance  kindled  into  fierce  and  rapidly  varying  ex- 
pression.   A  thousand  dark  and  complicated  passions 
evidently  struggled  at  his  heart;  and  as  he  dwelt  leisurely 
aiid  emphatically  on  the  sacrifice  of  human  life  that  must 
inevitably  attend  the  adoption  of  the  proposed  measure, 
Ids  eye  grew  larger,  his  chest  expanded,  nay,  his  very 
nostril  appeared  to  dilate  with  unfathomably  guileful  ex- 
ultation.   Captain  de  Haldimar  thought  he  had  never 


*    '' 

|H^P':''^' 

J 

I^^^Bv.^l 

■',■  '^ 

fWH'i 

1 

vK«| 

ri-.!» 


252 


WACOUSTA. 


.  I.(. 


{ i> 


gazed  on  any  thing,  wearing  the  human  shape,  half  so 
atrociously  savage.  ,• 

Long  before  the  council  was  terminated,  the  inferior 
warriors,  who  had  been  so  suddenly  aroused  from  tlieir 
slumbering  attitudes,  had  again  retired  to  their  tents,  and 
stretched  their  lazy  length  before  the  embers  of  their 
fires.  The  weary  chiefs  now  prepared  to  follow  their  ex- 
ample. They  emptied  the  ashes  from  the  bowls  of  their 
pipe-tomr!*awks,  replaced  them  carefully  at  their  side, 
rose,  and  retired  to  their  respective  tents.  Ponteac  and 
the  tall  warrior  alone  remained.  For  a  time  they  con- 
versed  earnestly  together.  The  former  listened  atten- 
tively  to  some  observations  made  to  him  by  his  com- 
panion, in  the  course  of  which,  the  words  "  chief  of  the 
Saganaw — fort — spy — enemy,"  and  two  or  three  others 
equally  unconnected,  were  alone  audible  to  the  ear  of 
him  who  so  attentively  sought  to  catch  the  slightest 
sound.  He  then  thrust  his  hand  under  his  hunting-coat, 
and,  as  if  in  confirmation  of  what  he  had  been  stating, 
exhibited  a  coil  of  rope  and  the  glossy  boot  of  an  English 
officer.  Ponteac  uttered  one  of  his  sharp  ejaculating 
"  ughs !"  and  then  rising  quickly  from  his  seat,  followed 
by  his  companion,  soon  disappeared  in  the  heart  of  the 
encampment. 


ill! 


Mm 


ij  M,i  ?' 


WACOUSTA. 


253 


.<■ 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 


How  shall  we  attempt  to  paint  all  that  passed  through 
the  mind  of  Captain  de  Haldiniar  during  this  important 
conference  of  the  fierce  chiefs  ? — where  find  language  t'> 
convey  the  cold  and  thrilling  horror  with  which  he  listened 
to  the  calm  discussion  of  a  plan,  the  object  of  which  \/as 
the  massacre,  not  only  of  a  host  of  beings  endeared  to  him 
by  long  communionship  of  service,  but  of  those  who  were 
wedded  to  his  heart  by  the  dearer  ties  of  affection  nad 
kindred?  As  Ponteac  had  justly  observed,  the  English 
garrisons,  strong  in  their  own  defences,  were  little  likely 
to  be  speedily  reduced,  while  their  enemies  confined  them- 
selves to  overt  acts  of  hostility ;  but,  against  their  in- 
sidious professions  of  amity  who  could  oppo-^'j  •.  sufficient 
caution  ?  His  father,  the  young  officer  was  aware,  had  all 
along  manifested  a  spirit  of  conciliation  towards  the  In- 
dians, which,  if  followed  up  by  the  government  generally, 
must  have  had  the  effect  of  preventing  the  cruel  and 
sanguinary  war  that  had  so  recently  desolated  this  re- 
mote part  of  the  British  possessions.     How  likely,  there- 
fore, was  it,  having  this  object  always  in  view,  he  should 
give  in  to  the  present  wily  stratagem,  where  such  plausible 
motives  for  the  abandonment  of  their  hostile  purpose  wore 
ifged  by  the  perfidious  chiefs !  From  the  few  hasty  hints 
already  given  him  by  his  guide, — that  kind  being,  who 
VOL.  1—22 


■TV'  I,   ■         ,.  •■■     V  ,   y^  -  ' 

\    ■*'  '■           '■     ^       '    '    '     '"■■''■''  ■§! 

■'■     l-    '  •■/''.        ■    ■■'.''     ■  'll 

:■;•  I  ■••,  ■  ■•■    i  ■  ..■    i\ 

•  f  •,  •  .    ,           ■•■,(■»■  I 


i  lii. 


,<i     .;■• 


■HI 


4  1 


.If. 


-^k 


■  st^i 


*  Is. 


■5   ■■■«  , 
i.K  J 11 

it :' 


m 


MKelw^jJj',-  f,' 


^P' 


204 


WAOOUSTA. 


evidently  sought  to  be  the  saviour  of  the  devoted  garri. 
sons, — he  Iiad  gathered  that  a  deep  and  artful  plan  was 
to  be  submitted  to  the  chiefs  by  their  leader ;  but  little 
did  he  imagine  it  was  of  the  finished  nature  it  now  proved 
to  be.  Any  other  than  the  present  attempt,  the  vigilance 
and  prudenee  of  his  experienced  father,  he  felt,  woulil 
have  rendered  abortive ;  but  there  was  so  much  specious. 
ness  in  the  pleas  that  were  to  be  advanced  in  furtlioraiice 
of  their  assumed  object,  he  could  not  bat  admit  the  almost 
certainty  of  their  influence,  even  on  him. 

Sick  and  discouraged  as  he  was  at  the  horrible  per- 
spective thus  forced  on  his  mental  view,  the  young  oillcir 
had  not,  for  some  moments,  presence  of  mind  to  retlcct 
that  the  danger  of  the  garrison  existed  only  so  long  as  he 
should  be  absent  from  it.  At  length,  however,  the  cliter- 
ing  recollection  came,  and  with  it  the  mantling  rush  of 
blood,  to  his  faint  heart.  But,  short  was  the  coiisoliiisj 
hope :  again  he  felt  dismay  in  every  fibre  of  his  frame; 
for  he  now  reflected,  that  although  his  opportune  dis- 
covery  of  the  meditated  scheme  would  save  one  fort, 
there  was  no  guardian  angel  to  extend,  as  in  this  instam  , 
its  protecting  influence  to  the  other ;  and  within  that  other 
there  breathed  those  wliu  were  dearer  far  to  him  than  his 
own  existence ; — beings,  wliosc  liverj  were  far  more  pre- 
cious to  him  than  any  even  in  the  garrison  of  which  lie 
was  a  member.  His  sister  Clara,  wlioin  he  loved  with  a 
love  little  inferior  to  tliat  of  !us  youn£rcr  brother;  and  i 
one,  even  more  dearly  loved  tlian  ('lara, — Madeline  do 
Ilaldimar,  his  cousin  and  alllanccd  bride, — were  both  in- 
mates of  Micliillimuckinac,  whieli  was  commanded  by  tin;  i 

fathrr  of  the  latter,  a  major  in  the regiment.  ^Viil 

Madeline  de  Ilaldimar  he  had  long  since  exclianpcd  lii>] 
vows  of  afteetion ;  and  tlieir  nuptials,  wliich  were  to  lu'vi 


vvArorsTA. 


255 


taken  place  about  the  period  when  the  present  war  broke 
nut,  had  only  been  suspended  because  all  communication 
ktween  the  two  posts  had  been  entirely  cut  off  by  the 
enemy. 

Captain  de  Haldimar  had  none  of  the  natural  weakness 
and  timidity  of  character  which  belonged  to  the  g^entlci- 
and  more  sensitive  Charles.  Sanguine  and  full  of  enter- 
prise, he  seldom  met  evils  half  way  ;  but  when  they  did 
come,  he  soug-ht  to  master  them  by  the  firmness  and  col- 
lectedness  with  which  he  opposed  his  mind  to  their  in- 
fliction. If  his  heart  was  now  racked  with  the  most 
acute  suffering- — his  reason  incapacitated  from  exercising 
its  calm  deliberative  power,  the  seeming  contradiction 
arose  not  from  any  deficiency  in  his  character,  but  was 
attributable  wholly  to  the  extraordinary  circumstances  of 
the  moment. 

It  was  a  part  of  the  profound  plan  of  the  Ottawa  chief, 
that  it  should  be  essayed  on  the  two  forts  on  the  same 
(lay ;  and  it  was  a  suggestion  of  the  murderer  of  j)oor 
Doncllan,  that  a  parley  should  be  obtained,  through  the 
medium  of  a  white  flag,  the  nature  of  which  he  explained 
tn  them,  as  it  was  understood  among  their  enemies.     If 
invited  to  the  council,  then  they  were  to  enter,  or  not,  as 
circnmstances  might  induce;  but,  in  any  case,  they  were 
to  gfo  unprovided  with  the  pi|>c  of  peace,  since  this  could 
not  be  smoked  without  violating  everything  held  most 
sacred  among  themselves.     The  red,  or  war  l»ipe,  was  to 
ht  substituted  as  if  by  accident;  and,  for  the  success  of 
the  (irct'ption,  th(>y  wore  to  pr(!sume  on  Ihe  ignorance  of 
till  ir  eiuMuies.     'J'his,  however,  was  not  important,  since 
llie  period  of  tlicir  first  parley  was  to  be  the  moment 
•  hnscn  for  \hv.  arrangement  of  ;i  fiilure  council,  and  the 
proposal  of  n  ball-pbiying  upon  the  common.  'J'hree  days 


,  J!,  •■       •;  1  ■■■  it,;     -  J      .  '-.  ;;•  I 


'4 


U 


i'; 


V* 

h 


^ 


'.' 


"    ,  ->. 

fW 

':  '* 

a 

'■\ 

.  ft 

n 

'  '■      '"? 

.   .  V' 

I  * 

'  '» 

a|v:vg 


u;  wl 


9^ '  Vt 


'M 


mm 


256 


WACOUSTA. 


were  to  be  named  as  the  interval  between  the  first  con. 
ference  of  Ponteac  with  the  governor  and  the  definitive 
council  which  was  to  ensue  ;  during  which,  however  it 
was  so  arranged,  that,  before  the  lip  of  a  red  skin  should 
touch  the  pipe  of  peace,  the  ball-players  should  rusii  in 
and  massacre  the  unprepared  soldiery,  while  the  chiefs 
despatched  the  officers  in  council. 

It  was  the  proximity  of  the  period  allotted  for  tlie 
execution  of  their  cruel  scheme  that  mainly  contributed 
to  the  dismay  of  Captain  de  Haldimar.  The  very  next 
day  was  appointed  for  carrying  into  effect  the  first  part 
of  the  Indian  plan  :  and  how  was  it  possible  that  a  mes- 
senger, even  admitting  he  should  elude  the  vigilance  of 
the  enemy,  could  reach  the  distant  post  of  Michillimacki. 
nac  within  the  short  period  on  which  hung  the  destiny 
of  that  devoted  fortress.  In  the  midst  of  the  confused 
and  distracting  images  that  now  crowded  on  his  brain, 
came  at  lengtli  one  thought,  redolent  with  the  brightest 
colourings  of  hope.  On  his  return  to  the  garrison,  the 
treachery  of  the  Indians  being  made  known,  the  governor 
might  so  far,  and  with  a  view  of  gaining  time,  give  in  to 
the  plan  of  his  enemies,  as  to  obtain  such  delay  as  would 
afford  the  chance  of  communication  between  the  forts. 
The  attempt,  on  the  part  of  those  who  should  be  selected 
for  tliis  purpose,  would,  it  is  true,  be  a  desperate  one :  still 
it  m\  >t  be  made;  and,  with  such  incentives  to  exertion 
as  he  had,  how  willingly  would  he  propose  his  own 
services ! 

The  more  ho  dwelt  on  this  mode  of  defeating  the  subtle 
designs  of  the  enemy,  the  more  practicable  did  it  appear. 
Of  his  own  safe  return  to  the  fort  he  entertained  not  a 
doubt;  for  he  knew  and  relied  on  the  Indian  woman,  who 
was  bound  to  him  by  a  tie  of  gratitude,  wliicli  her  con. 


■  '  r'W.  . 


ACOUSTA. 


257 


Juct  that  nig-ht  evidently  denoted  to  be  superior  even  to 

tlie  interests  of  her  race.  Moreover,  as  he  had  approached 

tlic  encampment  unnoticed  while  the  chiefs  w^cre  yet 

awake  to  every  thing  around  them,  how  little  probability 

was  there  of  his  return  being  detected  while   all   lay 

wrapped  in  the  most  profound  repose.  It  is  true  that,  for 

a  moment,  his  confidence  deserted  him  as  he  recurred  to 

the  earnest  dialogue  of  the  two  Indians,  and  tlie  sudden 

display  of  the  rope  and  boot,  the  latter  of  which  articles 

lie  had  at  once  recognised  to  be  one  of  those  he  had  so 

rciciilly  worn ;  but  his  apprehensions  on  that  score  were 

\\<rm  sj)ecdily  set  to  rest,  when  he  reflected,  had  any 

suspicion  existed  in  the  minds  of  these  men  that  an 

enemy  was  lurking  near  them,  a  general  alarm  would 

hivi'  been  spread,  and  hundreds  of  vt'arriors  despatched 

to  Hcour  the  forest. 

The  night  was  now  rapidly  waning  away,  and  already 
lliccold  damp  air  of  an  autumnal  morning  was  beginning 
to  make  itself  felt.  More  th.in  half  an  hour  had  elapsed 
siiiw!  the  departure  of  Ponteac  and  his  companion,  and 
vdOncanasta  came  not.  With  a  sense  of  the  a],»proach 
III' (lay  came  new  and  discouraging  thought -i,  -^nd,  for 
HiiiK'  niiiiuti's,  the  mind  of  the  young  oflicer  became 
idriticd  with  horror,  as  ho  reflected  on  the  bare  possi- 
liility  of  his  escape  being  intercei)tcd.  The  more  he  lin- 
jered  on  this  apjirehension,  the  more  bewildered  were 
liis  ideas;  and  already  in  horrible  perspective?,  he  l)eheld 
tluMlt'slriiction  of  his  nearest  and  dearest  friends,  and  the 
M  of  those  who  were  hund)ler  followers,  and  partake  ^ 
111  the  same  destiny.  Absolutely  terrified  with  the  niis- 
I'ivinps  of  his  own  heart,  he,  in  the  wildness  and  uneon- 
ni'li'dness  of  his  purpose,  now  resolved  to  make  the  af- 
''iupt  to  return  alone,  although  he  knew  not  even  the 


i  ;  .';,.  i.:'hA'''''i 


:  If 


'¥ 


I 


'.^Mm^' 


;tm. 


ii  I' 


V, 


r-cM  •'  ■li-*'''' 

mm 


u 


m 


rf^: 


258 


WAOOUSTA. 


situation  of  the  path  he  had  so  recently  quitted.  He  had 
actually  moved  a  pace  forward  on  his  desperate  enter. 
prise,  when  he  felt  a  hand  touching-  the  extended  arm 
with  which  he  groped  to  find  the  entrance  to  his  hiding 
place.  The  unexpected  collision  sent  a  cold  shudder 
through  his  frame ;  and  such  was  the  excitement  to 
which  he  had  worked  himself  up,  it  was  not  without  dif. 
ficulty  he  suppressed  an  exclamation,  that  must  inevitably 
have  sealed  his  doom.  The  soft  tone  of  Oucanasta's  voic^ 
re-assured  him. 

"  The  day  will  soon  dawn,"  she  whispered  ;  "  tlie  Sa. 
ganaw  must  go." 

With  the  return  of  hope  came  the  sense  of  all  he  owed 
to  the  devotedness  of  this  kind  woman.  He  grasped  the 
hand  that  still  lingered  on  his  arm,  pressed  it  affec- 
tionately in  his  own,  and  then  placed  it  in  silence  on  his 
throbbing  heart.  The  breathing  of  Oucanasta  became 
deeper,  and  the  young  officer  fancied  he  could  feci  her 
trembling  with  agitation.  Again,  however,  and  in  a  tone 
of  more  subdued  expression,  she  whispered  that  lie  must 
go. 

There  was  little  urging  necessary  to  induce  a  pionipt 
compliance  with  the  hint.  Cautiously  emerging  front 
'is  concealment.  Captain  de  Ilaldimar  now  followed 
close  in  the  rear  of  his  guide,  who  took  the  same  cir- 
cuit of  the  forest  to  reach  the  path  that  led  towards  the 
fort.  This  they  speedily  gained,  and  then  pursued  their 
course  in  silence,  until  they  at  length  arrived  at  the  ht^ 
where  the  exchange  of  mocassins  iiad  been  made. 

"  Here  the  Saganaw  may  take  breath,"  she  observed, 
as  she  seated  herself  on  the  fallen  tree ;  "  the  sleep  of  the 
red  skin  is  sound,  and  there  is  no  one  upon  t!ic  i)ath  but 
Oucanasta." 


IT'    S^i        It"   : 


& 


WACOUSTA. 


259 


Anxious  as  he  felt  to  secure  his  return  to  the  fort,  there 
was  an  implied  solicitation  in  the  tones  of  her  to  whom 
he  owed  so  much,  that  prevented  Captain  de  Haldimar 
from  offering  an  objection,  which  he  feared  might  be 
construed  into  slight. 

For  a  moment  or  two  the  Indian  remained  with  her 
arms  folded,  and  her  head  bent  over  her  chest ;  and  then, 
in  a  low,  deep,  but  tremulous  voice,  observed, — 

"  When  the  Saganaw  saved  Oucanasta  from  perishing 
in  the  angry  waters,  there  was  a  girl  of  the  pale  faces 
with  him,  whose  skin  was  like  the  snows  of  the  Canadian 
winter,  and  whose  hair  was  black  like  the  fur  of  the  squir- 
rel. Oucanasta  saw,"  she  pursued,  dropping  her  voice 
yet  lower,  "  that  the  Saganaw  was  loved  by  the  pale  girl, 
and  her  own  heart  was  very  sick,  for  the  Saganaw  had 
saved  her  life,  and  she  loved  him  too.  But  she  knew  she 
was  very  foolish,  and  that  an  Indian  girl  could  never  be 
the  wife  of  a  handsome  chief  of  the  Saganaw ;  and  she 
prayed  to  the  Great  Spirit  of  the  red  skins  to  give  her 
strengtii  to  overcome  her  feelings ;  but  the  Great  Spirit 
was  angry  with  her,  and  would  not  hear  her."  She 
paused  a  moment,  and  then  abruptly  demanded,  "  Where 
is  that  pale  girl  now  ?" 

Captain  de  Haldimar  had  often  been  rallied,  not  only 
by  his  brother  officers,  but  even  by  his  sister  and  Made- 
line (Ic  Haldimar  herself,  on  the  conquest  he  had  evidently 
made  of  the  heart  of  this  Indian  girl.  The  event  to  which 
she  liad  alluded  had  taken  place  several  months  previous 
to  the  breaking  out  of  hostilities.  Oucanasta  was  direct- 
ing-  her  frail  bark,  one  evening,  along  the  sliorcs  of  the 
Detroit,  when  a  gust  of  wind  upset  the  canoe,  and  left  its 
pilot  struggling  amid  the  waves.     Captain  de  Haldimar, 

wiio  liappencd  to  be  on  the  bank  at  the  moment  with  his 


■r'' 


'f'   '. 


^     .1- 


-..Mflfl-.' 


m:'m^'i 


«  « 


y(*aj).; 


260 


WACOUSTA. 


■,?  ^'M :■■'!■%, 


■■ipXtH 


SC'  *  Vg 


sister  and  cousin,  was  an  eye-witness  of  Iier  dang-cr,  and 
instantly  flew  down  the  steep  to  her  assistance.  Bcin^ 
an  excellent  swimmer,  he  was  not  long  in  gaining-  the 
spot,  where,  exhausted  with  the  exertion  she  had  made, 
and  encumbered  with  her  awkward  machecoti,  the  poor 
g-irl  was  already  on  the  point  of  perishing.  But  for  his 
timely  assistance,  indeed,  she  must  have  sunk  to  the  bot- 
tom ;  and,  since  that  p  "iod,  the  grateful  being  had  been 
remarked  for  the  strong  but  unexpressed  attachment  slie 
felt  for  her  deliverer.  This,  however,  was  the  first  mo- 
ment  Captain  dc  Haldimar  became  acquainted  with  the 
extent  of  feelings,  the  avowal  of  which  not  a  little  startled 
and  surprised,  and  even  annoyed  him.  The  last  question, 
however,  suggested  a  thought  that  kindled  every  fibre  of 
his  being  into  expectancy, — Oucanasta  might  be  the 
saviour  of  those  he  loved  ;  and  he  felt  that,  if  time  were 
but  afforded  her,  she  would.  He  rose  from  the  lo^r, 
dropped  on  one  knee  before  the  Indian,  seized  both  licr 
hands  with  eagerness,  and  then  in  tones  of  earnest  sup- 
plication whispered, — 

"  Oucanasta  is  right :  the  pale  girl  with  the  skin  like 
snow,  and  hair  like  the  fur  of  the  squirrel,  is  the  bride  of 
the  Saganaw.  Long  before  he  saved  the  life  of  Oucanasta, 
he  knew  and  loved  that  pale  girl.  She  is  dearer  to  the 
Saganaw  tiian  his  own  blood ;  but  she  is  in  the  fort  be- 
yond the  great  lake,  and  the  tomahawks  of  the  red  skins 
will  destroy  her ;  for  the  warriors  of  that  fort  have  no  one 
to  tell  them  of  their  dajigcr.  What  says  the  red  girl?  will 
she  go  and  save  tiie  lives  of  the  sister  and  the  wife  of  the 
Saganaw." 

The  breathing  of  the  Indian  became  deeper:  and 
Captain  de  Haldimar  fancied  she  sighed  heavily,  as  she 
replied, — 


WACOUSTA. 


261 


»'  Oucanasta  is  but  a  weak  woman,  and  her  feet  are 
not  swift  like  those  of  a  runner  among  the  red  skins ; 
but  what  the  Saganaw  asks,  for  his  sake  she  will  try. 
When  she  has  seen  him  safe  to  his  own  fort,  she  will 
go  and  prepare  herself  for  the  journey.  The  pale  girl 
shall  lay  her  head  on  the  bosom  of  the  Saganaw,  and 
Oucanasta  will  try  to  rejoice  in  her  happiness." 

In  the  fervour  of  his  gratitude,  the  young  officer 
caught  the  drooping  form  of  the  generous  Indian  wildly 
to  his  heart ;  his  lips  pressed  hers,  and  during  the  kiss 
that  followed,  the  heart  of  the  latter  bounded  and 
throbbed,  as  if  it  would  have  passed  from  her  own  into 
the  bosom  of  her  companion. 

Never  was  a  kiss  less  premeditated,  less  unchaste. 
Gratitude,  not  passion,  had  called  it  forth;  and  had 
Madeline  de  Haldimar  been  near  at  the  'moment,  the 
feeling  that  had  impelled  the  seeming  infidelity  to  her. 
self  would  have  been  regarded  as  an  additional  claim  on 
her  affection.  On  the  whole,  however,  it  was  a  most 
unfortunate  and  ill-timed  kiss,  and,  as  is  often  the  case 
under  such  circumstances,  led  to  the  downfall  of  the 
woman.  In  the  vivacity  of  his  embrace,  Captain  de 
Haldimar  had  drawn  his  guide  so  far  forward  upon  the 
log,  that  she  lost  her  balance,  and  fell  with  a  heavy  and 
reverberating  crash  among  the  leaves  and  dried  sticks 
that  were  strewed  thickly  around. 

Scarcely  a  second  elapsed  when  the  forest  was  alive 
with  human  yells,  that  fell  achingly  on  the  ears  of 
both;  and  bounding  warriors  were  heard  on  every  hand, 
rapidly  dividing  the  dense  underwood  they  encountered 
in  their  pursuit.  Quick  as  thought  the  Indian  had  re- 
gained her  feet.  She  grasped  the  hand  of  her  companion  ; 
and  hurrying,  though  not  without  caution,  along  the 


,  .  ,,-1    ,,-;.,.  J-.i'ijS'l'       „ 


■••■■v  * 


f4 


¥* 


■fir 


^•n 


h 


t 


i  vs 


If' 


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wfi  • 

'  * '  siMKyMwRfeSBRBEtii. 

wl  t^ 

*^l^,* 

'^^'W^^^wsmM 

l?f" 

i^^^^m 

l;l 

V  ^itm^BS^^^^ml^ 

mfM< ' 

iIi^^mI^wJ 

I'll' 

M^^^P^Kl 

ftTCjJHHw  j    * 

#M^^P)^^) 

^r  '^k^BHuHJHM^H^ 

^  'ilQJBnHIM^B^BK^y 

^(■iSai*  f. 

l|^B^H|| 

•^-'4^^BhH 

iI'I'^h^Bk 

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mm  *«' 

1  £!{Ei|iHH|I^^H^ 

SH.'' 

'^JHIHIi 

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ilfJMMiMm 

1  f '^t^wn^^Rf 

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il^j^^^^^p 

liiuttlLui 

Itfi^^plHi 

amii^aPP 

1  ^  l.'^'^TviI^nHK^flflB^Bl 

|nW  '^^Sfr^^H^^uRf^flra 

n i    ^  Bti^^BBKl^^SBMQ^ 

lyralBK^BI 

Bn^i 

^^BtHD^^ 

|jrjlTW|ipBt^^^BW 

Wl^d 

^^^w^ffiliHSn 

Qiiflli 

H^BH^ 

li 

wBK^^B^^K 

H:f^ 

wBS/Sm 

HnlE ' 

hMm 

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Hwl^^HK 

S^^ 

^^^B^^B^^X^ 

Ri'^^^i 

^^^n^BBnDHSn 

iftrllu''''* 

HHH^HiflBNi 

mmb't 

I^^Hb 

IPl 

^^^^^^H 

MM 

262 


WACOUSTA. 


path,  again  stood  on  the  brow  of  the  ravine  through 
which  they  had  previously  passed. 

"  The  Saganaw  must  go  alone,"  she  whispered.  "  The 
red  skins  are  close  upon  our  trail,  but  they  will  find  only 
an  Indian  woman,  when  they  expect  a  pale  face.  Ouca- 
nasta  will  save  her  friend." 

Captain  de  Haldimar  did  as  he  was  desired.  Clinging 
to  the  bushes  that  lined  the  face  of  the  precipitous  de- 
scent, he  managed  once  more  to  gain  the  bed  of  the  ra- 
vine. For  a  moment  he  paused  to  listen  to  the  sounds 
of  his  pursuers,  whose  footsteps  were  now  audible  on 
the  eminence  he  had  just  quitted;  and  then,  gathering 
himself  up  for  the  leap  that  was  to  enable  him  to  clear 
the  rivulet,  he  threw  himself  heavily  forward.  His  feet 
alighted  upon  an  elevated  and  yielding  substance,  that 
gave  way  with  a  crashing  sound  that  echoed  far  and 
near  throughout  the  forest,  and  he  felt  himself  secured 
as  if  in  a  trap.  Although  despairing  of  escape,  he 
groped  with  his  hands  to  discover  what  it  was  that  thus 
detair  ed  him,  and  found  he  had  fallen  through  a  bark 
canoe,  the  bottom  of  which  had  been  turned  upwards. 
The  heart  of  the  fugitive  now  sank  within  him  :  there 
could  be  no  doubt  that  his  retreat  was  intercepted.  The 
canoe  had  been  placed  there  since  he  last  passed  through 
the  ravine  :  and  it  was  evident,  from  the  close  and  tri- 
umphant yell  that  followed  the  rending  of  the  frail  bark, 
such  a  result  had  been  anticipated. 

Stunned  as  he  was  by  the  terrific  cries  of  the  savages, 
and  confused  as  were  his  ideas,  Captain  de  Haldimar 
had  still  presence  of  mind  to  perceive  the  path  itself  of- 
fered him  no  further  security.  He  therefore  quitted  it 
altogether,  and  struck,  in  an  oblique  direction,  up  tlio 
opposite  face  of  the  ravine.  Scarcely  had  he  gone  twenty 


'■***, 


WACOUSTA. 


263 


■,  io; 


:I-"a 


yards,  when  he  heard  the  voices  of  several  Indians  con- 
versing earnestly  near  the  canoe  he  had  just  quitted ; 
and  presently  afterwards  he  could  distinctly  hear  them 
ascending  the  opposite  brow  of  the  ravine  by  the  path 
he  had  recently  congratulated  himself  on  having  aban- 
doned. To  advance  or  to  recede  was  now  equally  im- 
practicable ;  for,  on  every  side,  he  was  begirt  by  enemies, 
into  whose  hands  a  single  false  step  must  inevitably  be- 
tray him.  What  would  he  not  have  given  for  the  pre- 
sence of  Oucanasta,  who  was  so  capable  of  advising  him 
in  this  difficulty  !  but,  from  the  moment  of  his  descend- 
ing into  the  ravine,  he  had  utterly  lost  sight  of  her. 

The  spot  on  which  he  now  rested  was  covered  with 
thick  brushwood,  closely  interwoven  at  their  tops,  but 
affording  sufficient  space  beneath  for  a  temporary  close 
concealment ;  so  that,  unless  some  Indian  should  touch 
him  with  his  foot,  there  was  little  seeming  probability 
of  his  being  discovered  by  the  eye.  Under  this  he  crept, 
und  lay,  breathless  and  motionless,  with  his  head  raised 
from  the  ground,  and  his  ear  on  the  stretch  for  the  slightest 
noise.  For  several  minutes  he  remained  in  this  position, 
vainly  seeking  to  catch  the  sound  of  a  voice,  or  the  fall 
of  a  footstep ;  but  the  most  deathlike  silence  had  suc- 
ceeded to  the  fierce  yellings  that  had  so  recently  rent 
the  forest.  At  times  he  fancied  he  could  distinguish 
faint  noises  in  the  direction  of  the  encampment ;  and  so 
certain  was  he  of  this,  he  at  length  came  to  the  conclu- 
sion that  the  Indians,  either  baffled  in  their  search,  had 
rehnquished  the  pursuit,  or,  having  encountered  Ouca- 
nasta, had  been  thrown  on  a  different  scent.  His  first 
intention  had  been  to  lie  concealed  until  the  following 
night,  when  the  warriors,  no  longer  on  the  alert,  should 
leave  tiie  path  once  more  open  to  him;  but  now  that  the 


■    .'••■       ■■•■   ,  4'5< 

.'■ . -^.^j  ^•...■'.  v^i*'f .'^ ^H; 'J 


;■' .  .j'« 


■   \    ■,''■ 


l?-'v 


.  .',•■' -r  ■•.■II 


p. 


,f 


pif 


■^.^^: 


■'  .  4  ■:   n.      »   fr}      ■ 


.  *1 


\i.-. 


'ij 


264 


WACOUSTA. 


conviction  of  their  return  was  strong  on  his  mind,  he 
changed  his  determination,  resolving  to  make  the  best 
of  his  way  to  the  fort  with  the  aid  of  the  approaching 
dawn.  With  this  view  ho  partly  withdrew  his  body 
from  beneath  its  canopy  of  underwood;  but,  scarcely 
had  he  done  so,  when  a  hundred  tongues,  like  the  bay. 
ing  of  so  many  blood- hounds,  again  rent  the  air  with 
their  wild  cries,  which  seemed  to  rise  up  from  the  very 
bowels  of  the  earth,  and  close  to  the  appalled  ear  of  the 
young  officer. 

Scarcely  conscious  of  what  he  did,  Captain  de  HaldU 
mar  grasped  one  of  his  pistols,  for  he  fancied  he  felt  the 
hot  breathing  of  human  life  upon  his  cheek.  With  a 
sickly  sensation  of  fear,  he  turned  to  satisfy  himself 
whether  it  was  not  an  illusion  of  his  heated  imagina- 
tion. What,  however,  was  his  dismay,  when  he  beheld 
bending  over  him  a  dark  and  heavy  form,  the  outline  of 
which  alone  was  distinguishable  in  the  deep  gloom  in 
which  the  ravine  remained  enveloped !  Desperation  was 
in  the  heart  of  the  excited  officer :  he  cocked  his  pistol ; 
but  scarcely  had  the  sharp  ticking  sound  floated  on  the 
air,  when  he  felt  a  powerful  hand  upon  his  chest ;  and, 
with  as  much  facility  as  if  he  had  been  a  child,  was  he 
raised  by  that  invisible  hand  to  his  feet.  A  dozen  war- 
riors now  sprang  to  the  assistance  of  their  comrade, 
when  the  whole,  having  disarmed  and  bound  their  pri- 
soner, led  him  back  in  triumph  to  their  encampment. 


END  OF  VOL.  I. 


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